Manchester, April 10 (BNA): Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has apologized after he appeared to take a mobile phone from a fan’s hand following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday.
Footage emerged on social media of Ronaldo passing his hand towards the ground as he exited the field and headed into the tunnel at Goodison Park. Witnesses said the 37-year-old toppled a fan’s phone and crashed to the ground, Reuters reported.
Ronaldo took to Instagram to apologize for the incident.
“It is never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments like the ones we face,” Ronaldo said. “However, we always have to be respectful, patient and set an example for all the young people who love this beautiful game.
“I would like to apologize for my outrage and, if possible, would like to invite this fan to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.”
The club told Reuters it was looking into the incident.
The defeat left United in seventh place in the Premier League standings and facing the possibility of losing qualification to the Champions League next season, as they are six points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are in fourth place.