Cristiano Ronaldo cautioned by police

FT Desk

• 17 Aug 2022 17:32 BST
• 4 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by police for smashing a fan’s phone to the floor following Manchester United’s defeat to Everton last season.

Ronaldo was filmed appearing to slap the hand of 14-year-old supporter Jacob Harding as the Portuguese star stormed towards the tunnel at full-time of United’s 1-0 loss at Goodison Park in April.

The 14-year-old boy’s phone was subsequently damaged.

Merseyside Police released a statement on Wednesday, saying: “We can confirm that a 37-year-old man voluntarily attended and was interviewed under caution in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage.

What did Merseyside Police say?

“The allegation relates to an incident following the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison Park on Saturday 9 April.

“The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.”

The Daily Mail reports that Ronaldo has paid compensation to the schoolboy.

Ronaldo immediately issued an apology to the young fan on the evening after the incident, even inviting him to watch a match at Old Trafford.

What did Ronaldo say?

“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing,” Ronaldo said on Instagram.

“Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.

“I would like to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”

The schoolboy’s mother also slammed Ronaldo in the media after the incident, claiming that her son had suffered a bruised hand.

What did Jacob's mother say?

Sarah Kelly said: “We were right by the tunnel where they came walking past — my son was there videoing them all. And then he lowered his phone because Ronaldo had pulled down his sock and his leg was bleeding.

“He lowered his phone to see what it was — he didn't even speak. Ronaldo then just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son's hand and carried on walking.

“You can see by the bruise that he's made contact. I was crying, I was shook up, Jacob was in complete shock — he's autistic and he's got dyspraxia as well, so he didn't really digest what was happening until we got home. He's really upset and it's completely put him off going to the game again.”

It has been a bad few days for Ronaldo, who is still desperate to leave Man Utd this summer with only two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

United are currently bottom of the Premier League after losing their first two matches of the season, 2-1 at home to Brighton and then a 4-0 thumping at Brentford.