Merseyside Police have issued a statement after an incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo following Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday afternoon.
A video showing Ronaldo smash an object -suggested to be a phone - as he made his way down the tunnel at Goodison Park went viral on social media. Ronaldo later issued a statement apologising on social media and inviting the fan in question to a game.
Ronaldo and his United team-mates were being booed and heckled as the incident unfolded. Several police officers 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.
A statement from Merseyside Police to the Liverpool ECHO reads: "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."
United told Mirror Football shortly after the incident they were unwilling to comment at that moment in time and were looking into matters. They have since told the ECHO: "We are aware of an alleged incident after today’s game at Everton and the club will cooperate with any police inquiries."
In his social media statement on the incident, Ronaldo 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."
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.
