Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a statement on Instagram after an incident in the immediate aftermath of Everton's 1-0 win against Manchester United.
Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the Red Devils star knock an object - seemingly a mobile phone - out of the hands of a fan as his defeated team left the pitch at full time earlier this afternoon.
Taking to Instagram this evening in an apparent message over what happened, the Portugal international wrote: "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."
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Tonight the ECHO spoke to Sarah Kelly, from Upton, who took her 14-year-old son Jake Harding to Goodison Park today to watch his beloved Blues for the first time
She said Ronaldo "walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son’s hand and carried on walking." Sarah said that the incident left Jake, who is autistic and has dyspraxia, in "complete shock".
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO: "We can confirm that we are liaising with Manchester United Football Club and Everton FC following reports of an alleged assault at the Everton v Manchester United football match today (Saturday 9 April 2022) at Goodison.
"As players were leaving the pitch at 2.30pm it was reported that a boy was assaulted by one of the away team as they left the pitch.
"Inquiries are underway and officers are currently working with Everton Football club to review CCTV footage and are carrying out extensive witness enquiries to establish if an offence has taken place.
"Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact centre quoting reference number 228 of 9 April 2022."
