Cristiano Ronaldo is set to fight the improper conduct ban imposed on him by the FA after the incident at Goodison Park on April 9.
Tensions ran high after Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to relegation candidates Everton towards the end of last season. Ronaldo was then videoed smacking an Everton’s fan hand, which was holding a phone, causing the device to smash to the floor.
The Portugal captain issued an apology to the child involved via social media, saying: “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.”
Ronaldo proceeded to apologise for his “outburst” as well as invite the supporter to watch United at Old Trafford. He was handed an improper conduct charge by the Football Association.
When questioned on the matter of his player’s incident, United manager Erik ten Hag replied: “From last year? We will talk about that and he will not accept it.”
The quote has since been published by the Daily Mail as meaning Ronaldo “will not accept” any ban imposed by the FA. He has accepted the charge.
Return to Goodison Park a silver lining for Ronaldo
The Reds travelled to Merseyside on Sunday, October 9 to face Frank Lampard’s side and luckily for Ronaldo, it ended on a more positive note.
Congratulations, @Cristiano — from everyone at United ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/3IFrusQmUG
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 10, 2022
The 38-year-old started on the bench again before coming on early in the first half to replace an injured Anthony Martial. Ronaldo scored United’s game-winning goal, which also happened to be his 700th career goal, and secured all three points in the tightly contested clash.
