Save the Children has reportedly dropped Cristiano Ronaldo as an ambassador after he allegedly ‘assaulted’ a 14-year-old Everton fan by smashing his phone out of his hand following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park.
Footage which began circulating on social media showed Ronaldo appearing to knock something out of a boy’s hand as he headed towards the tunnel.
The fan has since been identified as Jake Harding, who has autism. Merseyside Police have confirmed they are looking into the incident and are seeking further information.
Fresh footage has emerged of Cristiano Ronaldo appearing to smash a mobile phone out of the hand of a fan after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park
His mother Sarah Kelly told the Liverpool echo that the phone belonged to Jake, claiming that the Portuguese striker ‘assaulted’ him and had bruised his hand by knocking the phone to the floor.
Miss Kelly also said her son has declined an invitation from Ronaldo to attend a match at Old Trafford.
In the latest blow to Ronaldo’s public image following the incident, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Save the Children have dumped the Portugal star after 10 years as an ambassador.
The 37-year-old no longer appears on the list of ambassadors on the international charity’s website. Ronaldo first started working with the charity in 2013.
Ronaldo had taken to social media to apologize for his ‘outburst’ after he appeared to knock an Everton fan’s phone out of his hand as he walked down the tunnel at Goodison Park
Miss Kelly claimed her son’s first trip to watch Everton was ‘ruined’ by the alleged altercation which happened as United left the pitch after the match.
Ronaldo has since apologized for his ‘outburst’ and has invited the boy to watch a match at Old Trafford, but Miss Kelly said the experience has left Jake wary of going to a football match again.
United have reportedly declined to punish Ronaldo but a confirmed spokesperson they will cooperate with the FA and the police’s inquiries.
Ronaldo endured another torrid afternoon at Goodison Park as United were beaten by Everton.
Ronaldo said: ‘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 apologize 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.’
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