Sports

Ten Hag: Ronaldo won’t accept FA charge for smashing Everton supporter’s phone

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, on Wednesday, said the club’s forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, will not accept the charge against him by the Football Association (FA) in England for smashing an Everton supporter’s phone.

A video emerged on social media which showed Ronaldo lowering his right hand towards the ground before what appears to be a phone collided with and bounced up off the surface as he exited the pitch after United were defeated 1-0 by Everton in the English Premier League in April.

The Portugal captain was questioned by Merseyside Police in relation to an alleged assault and criminal damage and received a caution in August.

The FA, last month, charged the 37-year-old forward for breaching Rule E3 which relates to “improper and/or violent conduct”, but the case now looks set to proceed to a hearing.

Asked if Ronaldo accepted the charge, Ten Hag, on Wednesday, said: “We have talked about that. He will not accept it.”

Ronaldo issued an apology on Instagram when the incident occurred, 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 will like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I will like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”

Ronaldo has endured a disappointing time of things on the field for Manchester United this season having started just one of their opening eight Premier League matches.

He, however, scored his second goal of the campaign in all competitions and struck the 700th club goal of his career in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Everton after being introduced from the substitutes’ bench in the first half.

Speaking at a pre-match news conference ahead of United Thursday’s Europa League group-stage match with Omonia Nicosia, Ten Hag said he was pleased with the way the superstar forward has gone about returning to top fitness after missing almost the entirety of Manchester United’s pre-season for personal reasons.

“I want to support him as good as possible. We have certain demands from players, what we expect in certain positions. I want to get the best out of him and he’s in a better shape now and can contribute more,” he said.

Asked if a lack of fitness is the reason Ronaldo has not started more this season, Ten Hag said: “At the start that was the case. It’s proven once again that no one can miss a pre-season.”

The Star