Manchester: Football legend and former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo has found it costly to break his fan’s phone. He snatched a mobile phone from a fan at Everton earlier this year and broke it. Taking action on this matter, the Football Association has imposed a fine of 50,000 pounds (about Rs 49.43 lakh) on him. Apart from this, he has also been banned for two matches.
Ronaldo recently ended his contract with Manchester United. While giving the information, the club had told on Tuesday that both parties have prematurely terminated the contract after mutual consent.
On April 9 this year, Ronaldo’s team lost 1–0 to Everton at Goodison Park. After this, when Ronaldo came out of the field, a fan was making his video. Ronaldo, angry with the team’s defeat, did not like it. He snatched the Fan’s mobile and broke it. An independent panel suspended him for two matches and also imposed a fine. He was alerted by Merseyside Police on the matter. Ronaldo also admitted that his conduct was inappropriate. This ban will not apply to the World Cup and he will be transferred whenever he joins a club, regardless of country.
Following the incident, Ronaldo apologized on Instagram, saying, “It is never easy to deal with emotions in the difficult moments that we are facing. Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient, and kind to all those young people. We must set an example for all who love the game. I want to apologize for my outburst and, if possible, I invite this supporter to watch a match at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship that I want to do.”
Ronaldo accepted the charge but requested a personal hearing to avoid suspension. During the independent hearing on November 8, Ronaldo stated that he had done so out of concern, for his physical safety and well-being. Rejecting his claims, the panel said it was “out of frustration and annoyance rather than fear or concern for his well-being.” The Portuguese superstar is currently participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where his team will open its campaign against Ghana today.