By Kalu Onyemaechi
Police have initiated an investigation after Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of shattering an Everton fan’s phone.
Ronaldo has now apologized for his “outburst” at the Goodison Park and invited the fan to see an Old Trafford match.
Ronaldo looked enraged after his team was defeated 1-0 by struggling Frank Lampard’s Everton on Saturday.
“We can confirm that they’re carrying out an investigation following an incident at the #EVEMAN match at the Goodison Park involving a player as they were walking off the pitch and will be speaking to all parties involved,” Merseyside Police said in a statement.
After the game, Ronaldo took to social media to apologize and try to make atonement for his conduct.
“It’s never simple to cope with emotions in terrible situations like the one we’re in,” he conceded.
“However, we must always be respectful, tolerant, and set an example for all the young people who enjoy this wonderful game.”
“I apologize for my reaction and, if feasible, I’d want to invite this fan to see a game at Old Trafford as a gesture of fairness and sportsmanship.”
Ronaldo appears to be frustrated as he lowers his hand to the ground in footage from the alleged incident.
As spectators yell at the striker, he appears to hit the fan’s phone, which falls to the ground.
After watching the game, a woman on social media accused the star striker of “assaulting a child”.
“Well, a wonderful game at the match turned into me and Jake with the cops,” she wrote.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Ronaldo smacked Jake’s phone out of his hand while he was filming him leaving at full time.”
“It astounds me that a professional footballer would abuse a child in this manner.” If anyone has any footage of this, I believe they’re already on Instagram.
“I’m not on there, but I’d like to share!” These football players are thug-like individuals. He’s a father, so how would he react if this happened to his child????”
