Cristiano Ronaldo has been heavily fined and handed a two-match ban by the Football Association for knocking a fan’s mobile phone to the ground. The former Manchester United star was making his way towards the tunnel at Goodison Park when the altercation occurred following the Red Devils' 1-0 defeat to Everton back in April.
The suspension means that Ronaldo, who is now a free agent, is banned for two games should he join a Premier League club, with Chelsea the favourites to sign the Portugal international, while Arsenal have also been linked. If he is to join the Blues then he would miss clashes against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest before becoming available to face Manchester City. At Arsenal, he would not be available for games against West Ham and Brighton.
The veteran striker was charged with 'improper and/or violent' conduct by the FA following the incident in Merseyside last April. An FA statement said: "Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for two matches, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for a breach of FA Rule E3.
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"The forward admitted that his conduct after the final whistle of the Premier League game between Manchester United FC and Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022 was improper. An independent Regulatory Commission found that his conduct was both improper and violent during a subsequent hearing, and imposed these sanctions."
Ronaldo was cautioned by Merseyside Police over the incident. After the altercation, the Portuguese star issued an apology on social social media.
In a message posted on his Instagram account, Ronaldo said: "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 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."
United confirmed on Tuesday evening that Ronaldo, who is currently in Qatar preparing for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday, would leave the club with immediate effect. He had already been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford on a number of occasions this season but an explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan was the last straw.
The Red Devils United were - evidently - believed to be 'furious' after Ronaldo's attack of the club caught the club by surprise, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner insisting that he felt betrayed. While Ronaldo is on the market and readily available to sign, his latest ban serves Chelsea a deterrent should Todd Boehly look to finally sign the striker.
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