Ronaldo phone incident: what video shows Man Utd star doing, Ronaldo apology as Everton fan’s mum speaks out

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit the headlines after appearing to be involved in an incident after Manchester United’s game against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday 9 April 2022.

Ralf Rangnick’s team headed to the Merseyside Stadium for one of last matches of the 2021/22 season with the aim of securing a win and ensuring the Red Devils chances of making it into a European Competition for the 2022/23 season.

However, a shock result saw Anthony Gordon score the only goal of the match, earning his team a much needed 1-0 win as they struggle to keep in the Premier League.

Frank Lampard took over at Goodison Park in January 2022 and has been clinging on to their narrow lead in the race to stay in English Football’s top division.

United currently sit seventh in the league and the Red Devils’ clear frustrations and disappointment were expressed as they were coming off the pitch when Ronaldo appeared to knock an Everton fan’s phone out of their hand.

So what happened at Goodison Park?

What Ronaldo did in phone video after Everton loss

In footage taken by @EvertonHub, that has since been shared around social media, the forward can be seen lowering his right hand, rather quickly, as what appears to be a phone is seen colliding with and bouncing off the ground.

The alleged victim’s mother shared an image on social media showing bruising from her son’s hand which she alleged was the result of Ronaldo smashing the phone from her son.

Taking on Facebook, Sarah Kelly said: “Can’t believe I’m saying this but RONALDO smashed Jake’s phone out of his hand while he was recording him coming off at full time.”

Police launch investigation into Ronaldo phone incident

The 37-year-old is now at the centre of a Merseyside police investigation after footage appeared to show the Portuguese forward knock a mobile phone out of the supporter’s hand.

A spokesperson for Merseyside police have since said: “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.

“As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm, it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one fo 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 inquiries to establish if an offence has taken place.”

Police have also called for those with any information to contact the Merseyside Police social media desk.

What Ronaldo said in Everton phone apology

Since the news of the alleged incident took place, a spokesperson for Manchester United has said: “We are aware of an alleged incident after today’s game at Everton and the club will cooperate with any police inquiries.”

Ronaldo has also taken to Instagram to apologise, and has invited the fan to a match at Old Trafford.

He posted to his 425 million followers saying: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. 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 Everton fan’s mum said after Ronaldo phone incident?

The mother of the 14-year-old fan whose phone was allegedly knocked away by Ronaldo spoke out, criticising the Portuguese player for not contacting her son privately following the incident.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Sarak Kelly has said: “The apology or lack of apology was what angered me even more.

“I thought ‘How rude - you are telling everybody you have apologised and you haven’t.’ Ok, you have put it out to social media but…you should be apologising to my son.

“He had several hours to ponder on it. He should have found out our contact details - been private, said he had spoken to us and released something. I would have been happy with that.”

Ms Kelly has also said that they are unlikely to take up the offer of going to watch United.

The alleged victim, Jake, has autism and his mother has said he has struggled to sleep after the incident: “With him having disabilities, it is harder for him to express and can take more days to understand what has happened.

“With his autism, he kind of finds it hard to process things. He’s processed it in his way - which is ‘I can’t believe Ronaldo has done that, I really liked him.”