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Football

10th Apr 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo offers fan trip to Old Trafford as Merseyside police issue statement

Ronaldo has apologised after a video emerged showing him smashing a fan's phone following Manchester United's defeat to Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Reuben Pinder

Merseyside police are looking into the incident

Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly apologised after a video emerged appearing to show him smashing a fan’s mobile phone following Manchester United’s defeat to Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Everton picked up a crucial three points as they beat United 1-0 thanks to a deflected goal from Anthony Gordon.

The away side were unsurprisingly frustrated after yet another lacklustre performance as they fall further away from fourth spot, and their star ma Ronaldo let his frustration boil over as he made his back back down the tunnel.

Video footage filmed from the stands appears to show the Portuguese slapping a phone out of someone’s hand, smashing it in the process.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcI1DqngdA-/

Merseyside police have issued a statement:

“We can confirm that we are liaising with Manchester United Football Club and Everton FC following reports of an alleged assault at the Everton v Manchester United football match today (Saturday 9 April 2022) at Goodison. As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch.

“Inquiries are underway and officers are currently working with Everton Football club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness enquiries to establish if an offence has taken place. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact centre quoting reference number 228 of 9 April 2022.”

Ronaldo also offered a public apology, offering the aggrieved fan a trip to Old Trafford.

Writing to his 424m Instagram followers, United’s number 7 said: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.

“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 apologise 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.”

Has he not suffered enough?