The English police have opened an investigation, following accusations that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo attacked a fan by smashing a phone in his hand, following the defeat of the “Red Devils” against Everton, Saturday, in the English Premier League.
Liverpool Police (Merseyside), on Sunday, appealed to eyewitnesses to provide information, after footage on social media showed Ronaldo, the five-times best player in the world, hitting the hand of a fan who was filming him as he was leaving the green rectangle of Goodison Park, following a loss. United with a clean goal.
“We can confirm that we are in contact with Manchester United Football Club and Everton following reports of an alleged assault at Everton’s match against Manchester United Football Club at Goodison,” a police spokesman said.
“While the players were leaving the stadium in the evening, it was reported that a teenager was assaulted by a member of the visiting team while they were leaving the stadium,” he added.
And he added, “Investigations are ongoing and officers are currently working with Everton Football Club to review CCTV footage and are conducting extensive investigations with witnesses to determine whether the assault really took place,” asking “anyone with information on this incident to contact the Social Media Office of Merseyside Police.
On the other hand, the mother of the 14-year-old teenager confirmed to the “Liverpool Echo” newspaper that her son, who has autism and dyslexia, suffered bruises on his hand after the accident.
On Saturday, Ronaldo apologized for hitting a phone that was carried by a fan, as he angrily exited the stadium against the background of his team’s loss.
“It is never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments like the ones we face,” Ronaldo, 37, wrote on his Instagram account.
“However, we must always be respectful and patient and set an example for all the young people who love this beautiful game,” added the former Real Madrid star, who faces the risk of not qualifying for the Champions League next season.
“I would like to apologize for my outrage and, if possible, would like to invite this fan to watch a match at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship,” added the best international scorer in the history of international matches.
And by losing against Everton, Manchester United fell to seventh place in the league standings, with seven games left this season.