Police are investigating “reports of an alleged assault”
Merseyside Police are investigating an alleged assault after Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to break a supporter’s phone.
Footage emerged on social media which appeared to show the Portugal captain smashing the fan’s device as he left the pitch after United’s 1-0 loss at Everton.
Anthony Gordon’s first-half goal was enough for the Toffees to claim all three points and move four points clear of 18th placed Burnley, who play against Norwich City on Sunday.
The defeat leaves United seventh in the table and although still possible, it seems unlikely that they will be playing Champions League football next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been accused of smashing a fan’s phone after Man United’s defeat to Everton 😬
🎥 @evertonhub pic.twitter.com/pTWgUpkLCa— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 9, 2022
Police now ‘investigating’ the incident
Merseyside Police said they were investigating “reports of an alleged assault” at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the force said they were liaising with both Manchester United and Everton.
“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,” they added.
“Inquiries are under way and officers are currently working with Everton 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.”
The Red Devils previously stated that the club was aware of “an alleged incident” and would “co-operate with any police inquiries”.
Youngster’s first match
The mother of the boy who was allegedly assaulted by Ronaldo has said her son was left ‘in shock’ by the incident, adding that it was her son’s first ever football match in the flesh and that the shocking incident could prevent him from going to another.
Ronaldo did apologise for the unfortunate incident on Saturday evening, posting on Instagram that he would like to invite the child to Old Trafford “as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”
Related links:
- Boy who had phone smashed by Cristiano Ronaldo was attending first ever match
- Cristiano Ronaldo offers fan trip to Old Trafford as Merseyside police issue statement
- Alphonso Davies questions why Harry Maguire is captain over Cristiano Ronaldo
