Police investigate Cristiano’s “alleged assault” on an autistic child

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the protagonists of the duel between Everton and Manchester United, both for his performance on the field and, above all, off it. The Portuguese had two clear actions to score, but he did not manage to do it in any of the two and He ended up frustrated with the new puncture of his teamwhich is deflated in the fight for European positions.

Nevertheless, the ‘red devils’ player was the focus of attention for what happened after the final whistle. Shortly after the referee decreed the way to the locker room, images began to circulate on social networks in which Ronaldo appeared breaking a fan’s mobile phone. This fan, in particular, It was a 14-year-old boy, Jake Harding, who was visiting Goodison Park for the first time.as confirmed by her mother, Sarah Kelly, to Liverpool ECHO.

Sarah and her son were at Park End, behind the goal and near the changing room tunnel. Jake was recording the entrance of the players when Ronaldo hit him in the hand, knocking the mobile to the ground and leaving “his hand bruised”. “He recorded all the United players walking and then put the phone down because Ronaldo had dropped his stocking and his leg was bleeding. He put the phone down to see what it was he didn’t even speak“explained the mother.

“He’s autistic, he was crying and totally shocked”

“Ronaldo just walked by, in a terrible temper, he snatched the phone out of my son’s hand and kept walkingSarah concluded. Jake, who he is autistic and has dyspraxia (a motor disorder that makes children move slowly and with difficulty), as confirmed by his own mother, “he was crying and totally shocked, he didn’t digest what was happening until he got home“.

“He’s really upset and it totally put him off to come back to a game. It’s the first one he’s been to and this happens. We had an absolutely brilliant day until those last few seconds, which completely spoil the day“said Sarah, criticizing his attitude to a Ronaldo who for the child “is an icon” and who “has attacked” his son.

Furthermore, Merseyside Police confirmed to ECHO that they are “in contact” with the clubs after they arrived”reports of an alleged assault” in the party. The authorities claim to be “conducting investigations and reviewing security camera footage“, in addition to asking for help from “anyone who has information about this incident”.

Ronaldo apologizes and the mother calls him a “thug”

Ronaldo himself, aware of the seriousness of his behavior, wanted to apologize through his social networks. “It is never easy to deal with emotions in difficult times like the one we are experiencing. However, we always have to be respectful, patient and set an example for all young people who love the beautiful game. I would like to apologize for my outburst and if possible I would like to invite this follower to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of my fair play and sportsmanship,” he posted on his Instagram.

Sarah Kelly, mother of the child, also spoke through social networks, specifically on Facebook. “Well, a lovely match ended with me and Jake with the police.. I can’t believe he’s saying this but Ronaldo knocked Jake’s phone out of his hand while he was recording him leaving at the end of the match. I am impressed that a professional footballer can attack children like him. If someone can get me videos of the moment, I think they’re on Instagram, I don’t have an account. Please share! These soccer players are thugs! He is a father himself, how would he feel if they had done that to his son?“, he said, attaching photos of his son’s hand and the phone with the broken screen.