Cristiano Ronaldo charged by FA: Manchester United release statement

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Manchester United forward, has found himself in hot soup after the Football Association (FA) released a statement charging him with improper conduct. The Portuguese goal machine had smashed a phone off the hands of a young Everton fan in April 2022 after United suffered a defeat to the Merseyside club.

In its statement, England’s football governing body has said:

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for an incident that took place after Manchester United FC’s Premier League match against Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022. It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent.”

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In response, the Red Devils have commented, “We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo”, further adding, “We will be supporting the player in response to the charge.”

Ronaldo was earlier let off with a caution by the Merseyside Police for the same incident. 

The 37-year-old forward had previously apologized for the incident and even invited to Old Trafford the boy whose phone he had smashed. However, the latter’s mother refused the offer and said, “It’s like we owe him a favour but I’m sorry, we don’t. It’s in the hands of the police”.

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The Premier League is currently on a hiatus due to the international break in which United players hailing from European countries are competing in the UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo’s Portugal is set to play their first match in the competition against the Czech Republic on September 25, after which they will host Spain at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on September 28.

Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s eternal rival, has scored twice in a friendly Argentina played against Honduras on September 24. It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo, the all-time leading men’s goalscorer, manages to respond to La Pulga’s strikes.