Mum Of Young Everton Fan Speaks Out After Phone Incident Involving Cristiano Ronaldo
“He’s really upset about it and it’s completely put him off going to the game again. This is the first football game he’s been to..."
A mum has spoken out regarding claims that Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a fan's phone on the ground at Goodison Park.
Sarah Kelly says she took her 14-year-old son, Jake, to his first Everton game on Saturday afternoon. He witnessed Anthony Gordon score a first-half winner as the Toffees went four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
She claims they both had an "absolutely brilliant day" up until the incident after the full-time whistle.
It was confirmed on Saturday that Manchester United were 'looking into' an incident involving the 37-year-old forward and a mobile phone following the club's 1-0 defeat against Everton.
After walking past the away support at Goodison Park, Ronaldo was about to make his way down the tunnel when he appeared to drop a fan's phone on the ground, according to eyewitnesses.
Twitter account @EvertonHub posted footage of the incident online and since, another angle of the moment has circulated online.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Jake's mum, Sarah, has claimed Ronaldo "assaulted" and "bruised" her son, who has autism and dyspraxia, when he appeared to knock the phone from his hand.
"At full-time the Man United players started walking off," Sarah said. "We were in the Park End so we were right by the tunnel where they came walking past - my son was there videoing them all.
"He filmed all the United players walking through. And then he lowered his phone because Ronaldo had pulled down his sock and his leg was bleeding. He lowered his phone to see what it was - he didn't even speak.
"Ronaldo then just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son's hand and carried on walking.
"You can see by the bruise that he's made contact. I just can't believe I'm talking about it.
"I was crying, I was shook up, Jacob was in complete shock - he's autistic and he's got dyspraxia as well, so he didn't really digest what was happening until he's come home now.
"He's really upset about it and it's completely put him off going to the game again. This is the first football game he's been to and this has happened."
Sarah added: "We had an absolutely brilliant day up until those final few seconds when they came off the pitch. It's completely ruined the day and put a bad taste in our mouth.
"He's an idol. Yes, he's not from Everton and you like who you like, but Ronaldo's a big player. My son's always been like 'Ronaldo's going to be there' - he's an icon.
"I'd understand if Jake was waving it in his face but he wasn't near his face, it was down by the floor checking his injury.
"He's an autistic boy and he's been assaulted by a football player, that's how I see it as a mum."
Hours after the incident, Cristiano Ronaldo apologised for his actions in a statement on Instagram.
He also invited the fan to a game at Old Trafford as 'a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.'
"It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing," he wrote. "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."
Merseyside Police have confirmed they are liaising with both Manchester United and Everton following reports of an alleged assault at the game, and have urged anyone with information to contact the police.
"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."
A spokesman from Manchester United also confirmed they are aware of an alleged incident and the club will cooperate with any police inquiries.
Featured Image Credit: TwitterTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Everton, Cristiano Ronaldo
Jack Kenmare