Cristiano: “I would like to apologize for my outburst”
LONDON, 10 Apr. (dpa / EP) –
Police have launched an investigation into an incident in which Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo threw an Everton fan’s mobile phone after snatching it out of his hand.
Images appeared on social media showing the Portuguese grabbing a mobile from a ‘Toffees’ supporter and throwing it to the ground as he limped into the tunnel after United’s 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
Later, the former Madrid player apologized for his “outburst” and invited the fan to watch a game at Old Trafford “as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.” “It’s never easy dealing with emotions in difficult times like the one we’re going through,” he explained on Instagram.
“However, we always have to be respectful, patient and set an example for all the young people who love this beautiful sport. I would like to apologize for my outburst and if possible I would like to invite this fan to watch a match at Old Trafford. as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship,” he said.
A Merseyside Police spokesman confirmed the investigation. “We can confirm that we are in contact with Manchester United FC and Everton FC following reports of a suspected break-in at the Everton-Manchester United football match at Goodison,” he said.
“As the players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm, it was reported that a child had been assaulted by one of the away team players as they were leaving the pitch. Investigations are ongoing and officials are currently working with Everton to review the images and are conducting extensive witness investigations to establish whether a crime has been committed,” he continued.