Cristiano Ronaldo apologises for his outburst, following phone incident after United’s 1-0 loss to Everton

The Red Devils were beaten by relegation-threatened Everton.

Manchester United forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised for his outburst, following the club’s loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

United went into the game knowing that a win would ensure they are still in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

However, United fell short again courtesy of a solitary strike from Everton’s Anthony Gordon in the 25th minute.

The Red Devils were thrown into frustration once again and Ronaldo was no exemption to that.

As United players headed into the tunnel in frustration, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner appeared to smash a young fan’s phone to the floor.

Footage taken after the match shows Ronaldo lowering his right hand towards the ground before what appears to be a phone collided with and bounced up off the surface, as he headed into the tunnel.

The young fan’s mother, Sarah Kelly however has claimed that Jake Harding, her 14-year old son was left “bruised” by the incident, living the young man in “complete shock”.

“He’s upset about it, and it’s completely put him off going to the game again,” she told Liverpool Echo.

“This is the first football game he’s been to and this has happened.”

Sarah also claimed that Jake is autistic and could not digest what was happening until he got home. She also shared the picture of her son’s hand with the newspaper, in which it appeared Red and bruised.

What did Ronaldo say?

Ronaldo has, however, apologised for the incident, stating that it’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments.

“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing,” he said on Instagram.

“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.”

What next for Ronaldo?

Meanwhile, Merseyside Police have now launched an investigation, with Manchester United claiming to be aware of the incident.

“We can confirm that we are liaising with Manchester United Football Club and Everton FC following reports of an alleged assault at the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison,” a statement read.

“As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm, it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch.

“Inquiries are under way and officers are currently working with Everton Football Club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness enquiries to establish if an offence has taken place.

“Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact centre quoting reference number 228 of 9 April 2022.”

Manchester United also said: “We are aware of an alleged incident after today’s game at Everton and the club will co-operate with any police inquiries.”

The Football Association has also said that they would speak to Ronaldo, Manchester United and Everton to seek their observations over the incident.