The English FA charged Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo for an incident with an Everton fan. The governing body of the sport in England claims that the 37-year-old striker broke rule E3 in the handbook.
The incident in question came following an April Premier League match with Everton. Cameras captured Cristiano Ronaldo slapping a cell phone out of an Everton fan’s hands as the star forward walked by. At the time, Ronaldo was leaving the pitch for United’s dressing room after Everton defeated the Red Devils, 1-0. Police questioned and cautioned the Portuguese international following the game.
Rule E3 states that “a participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behavior.”
The punishment comes down to a hearing. Ronaldo must accept or deny the allegations. A final outcome of these charges could be a warning, a fine or, in an extreme case, a suspension. There is no set date for Cristiano Ronaldo’s hearing.
Cristiano Ronaldo charged for incident with Everton fan
After the fiasco at Goodison Park, Ronaldo took to social media to apologize. “We always have to be respectful, patient, and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game,” said Ronaldo on Instagram. “I would like to apologize 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.”
Merseyside Police released a statement last month confirming that they did speak with the player. “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,” read the statement.
“The allegation relates to an incident following the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison Park on Saturday April 9. The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.”
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
