Soccer

Ronaldo sees yellow after police caution over incident at Everton match

Manchester United player appeared to smash a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand

With the police investigation now over, the Football Association will resume its inquiry into the Portuguese international’s behaviour. File photograph: PA
With the police investigation now over, the Football Association will resume its inquiry into the Portuguese international’s behaviour. File photograph: PA
Wed Aug 17 2022 - 19:03

Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by police after footage emerged of the Manchester United forward appearing to smash a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand at a match.

The 37-year-old was interviewed by officers in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage following the incident at Goodison Park on April 9th.

Merseyside Police launched an investigation after a clip was circulated online of Ronaldo appearing to knock the supporter’s mobile phone on to the ground as he limped towards the tunnel following United’s 1-0 defeat.

Conditional caution

The force said on Wednesday: “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. The allegation relates to an incident following the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison Park on Saturday, April 9th. The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.”

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It is understood that with the police investigation now over, the Football Association will resume its inquiry into the Portuguese international’s behaviour. After the incident, Ronaldo issued a social media apology for his “outburst” and invited the supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford “as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship”.

Taking to his Instagram account, the Portuguese forward 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.”