Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a statement on social media after an unsavoury incident following Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday afternoon.
A video showing Ronaldo smash the phone of an Everton fan as he made his way down the tunnel at Goodison Park went viral on social media. The Portuguese veteran, 37, appeared to throw the object to the ground with his right hand.
Ronaldo and his United team-mates were being booed and heckled as the incident unfolded. Several police offers were watching nearby and did not intervene at the time. Ronaldo was carrying a shin pad in his left hand after suffering a nasty gash on his left leg.
Writing on Instagram, 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 apologize 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 told Mirror Football shortly after the incident they were unwilling to comment at that moment in time and were looking into matters.
United remain seventh in the Premier League following their defeat on Saturday afternoon, three points behind Tottenham in fourth having played a game more. Arsenal and West Ham are also in contention for Champions League football next season.
Everton's winner came through Anthony Gordon. The 21-year-old's first-half strike deflected off Harry Maguire to gift the Toffees a priceless win. They're now four points clear of Burnley in 18th and just two behind Leeds in 16th.
