-
Cristiano Ronaldo accepts the FA charge for improper conduct despite Erik ten Hag saying otherwise.
Despite what Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag implied, Cristiano Ronaldo has in fact agreed to an FA charge of improper conduct relating to an incident that happened in April.
The FA charged Ronaldo in September for an incident that happened at Goodison Park at the end of the previous season when he slapped a young fan’s phone out of his hand after United lost to Everton.
Ronaldo had until Monday to respond to the charge, which was a violation of FA Rule E3 relating to improper and/or violent conduct, and Ten Hag had hinted that he would not be accepting the charge.
The Dutchman told a press conference: ‘We spoke about that. He will not accept it.’
According to Sportsmail, this was a misinterpretation of the question Ten Hag asked, and the United manager only intended to convey that CR7 was hoping to avoid a suspension for the incident and would fight any such decision, opting instead for a fine or merely a warning.
RELATED:
- Erik Ten Hag reveals why Ronaldo isn’t having enough playing time for Man Utd
- Paul Scholes reacts to Antony’s celebration after Manchester United beat Everton
- UCL: Conte admits he felt threatened during Tottenham’s victory over Frankfurt
Manchester United confirmed that Ronaldo has accepted the charge, having already apologised for the incident and been given a caution by Merseyside Police for after-assault and criminal damage allegations.
The incident took place following United’s 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park last April.
Footage shared on social media showed the 37-year-old appearing to smash a phone out of a young fan’s hand as he left the pitch and headed towards the tunnel.
Ronaldo was cautioned by police regarding the incident in August and later issued an apology to 14- year-old Jacob Harding on his Instagram account, admitting his emotions after such a damaging result had got the better of him.
After the game, the teenager’s mum, Sarah Kelly, revealed her son suffered bruising such was the ferocity with which Ronaldo slapped the device out of his hand.