Cristiano Ronaldo is under investigation by the Merseyside police after the striker appeared to knock a mobile phone off a supporter’s hand.
The police are reviewing CCTV footage to establish if Cristiano Ronaldo committed the offense in question following his side’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Everton on Saturday.
Footage emerged and spread on social media of Ronaldo appearing to swipe his hand towards the ground as he walked off the pitch and headed for the tunnel at Goodison Park after another frustrating game.
Eyewitnesses to the incident said that the 37-year-old had knocked a fan’s phone out of their hand and it smashed to the ground.
Ronaldo, however, took to Instagram to apologize for the outburst.
“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing,” Ronaldo said. “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.”
Manchester United are investigating the incident of their own as well.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said the force was liaising with both clubs after reports of an alleged assault.
“As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30 p.m., it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch,” the spokesperson said.
“Inquiries are underway and officers are working with Everton Football Club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness enquiries to establish if an offense has taken place.”
Ronaldo, United’s top scorer this season, returned to the United team after missing last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City due to illness. However, he was unable to galvanize his team to victory against a relegation-threatened Everton who had not won a game in 8 tries.
The defeat left United seventh in the Premier League standings and facing the prospect of missing out on qualification for next season’s Champions League as they are six points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
