Dylan Bettencourt
No matter how high his level of frustration, Cristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour after the match on Saturday night, was inexcusable.
Manchester United had just suffered a devastating 1-0 defeat to relegation contenders Everton when Ronaldo was walking towards the tunnel. Surrounded by Everton fans who were hoping to get a photo with him, Ronaldo – visibly upset and physically hurt – lashed out and hit a cellphone out of a teenager’s hands.
To make matters worse, the teenager suffers from autism and was attending his first-ever live football match.
Jake Harding’s mother said her son suffered a bruised hand following the incident and was not sure how to take the incident.
“He’s really upset about it, and it’s completely put him off going to a game again. This is the first football game he’s been to and now this has happened,” she told the Liverpool Echo.
“We had an absolutely brilliant day up until those final few seconds when they came off the pitch. It’s completely ruined the day and left a bad taste in the mouth.”
Ronaldo has since issued an apology on Instagram and offered Jake the chance to visit Old Trafford to watch a Manchester United game.
“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 an example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
The Merseyside police opened an investigation into the incident for possible assault.
This isn’t the first time Ronaldo’s frustration has boiled over into aggression this season. He lashed out at Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones during a match, kicking the ball hard and catching the prone player at the same time.
Amidst all the frustrations, it has been a good goal-scoring season for him. He has scored 18 goals in 34 appearances, but Manchester United has had a dire season and he has often personally been blamed for their tactical flaws.
Image source: @talkSPORT
