CRISTIANO RONALDO has been handed an October 10th deadline to respond to his FA charge for smashing an autistic boy’s phone to the ground.
The Manchester United ace was charged earlier this month following an incident after the Red Devils were beaten by Everton on April 9.
Ronaldo appeared to slap young Jacob Harding’s hand in footage that was posted to social media.
Ronaldo apologised to the 14-year-old but was interviewed by police under caution in relation to an alleged assault and criminal damage last month.
He was then charged by the FA last week, and has now been given a deadline to respond to the charge.
United though have been left “baffled”, according to MEN, as the incident was nearly six months ago and cops have concluded their investigation.
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Merseyside Police have already confirmed it has been dealt with by “matter of conditional caution”.
But Ronaldo has been charged for breaching FA Rule R3, part of which states players should not use “any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour”.
An FA statement last week said: “Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for an incident that took place after Manchester United FC’s Premier League match against Everton on Saturday 9 April 2022.
“It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent.”
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United said at the time of the charge: “We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We will be supporting the player in his response to the charge.”
After the incident earlier this year, Jacob told The Mirror: “I looked up to him but he didn’t set an example that day.”
While his mum, Sarah Kelly, revealed she was reduced to tears when Ronaldo personally phoned her to say sorry.
Ronaldo posted online shortly after the incident, apologising for his “outburst” and inviting Jacob to watch a match at Old Trafford.
He said: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.
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“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 apologise 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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
