CRISTIANO RONALDO is prepared to vigorously defend himself after being charged by the FA for knocking a fan’s mobile phone to the ground.
Superstar Ronaldo was given a police caution following the incident that took place when he was walking off the pitch after Manchester United’s 1 -0 defeat to Everton at Goodison on April 9.
He was charged last month with a breach of FA Rule E3 relating to improper and/or violent conduct.
Ironically he reached the magic mark of 700 club goals in scoring the winner for United in Sunday night’s 2-1 win over the Toffees.
The 37-year-old is now poised to lead the line in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Omonia Nicosia.
He will do so determined to clear his name over the incident the previous time he was at the home of the Toffees.
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Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag revealed his response to the charge – after the club vowed to back him.
The Dutchman declared : “We spoke about that. He will not accept it.”
The FA will still examine the case no matter Ronaldo’s response because it was considered to be a non-standard incident.
If found guilty he faces a fine, a warning or a ban.
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He publicly apologised following the incident as Jake Harding, 14, tried to film him with his phone as he limped off the pitch.
He appeared to angrily slap the phone out of the boy’s hand and his mother Sarah Kelly claimed he was left with a bruised hand.
Ronaldo said sorry on social media and invited the boy to be his guest for a game at Old Trafford.
He 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 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.”
However, the boy rejected Ronaldo’s invitation and his mother also criticised United’s response to the incident.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
