Cristiano Ronaldo: Man Utd star gets caution over fan's phone incident

On Instagram, the Portuguese said it was "never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments"

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has been cautioned by police over footage which appeared to show him knocking a phone out of a fan's hand.

Merseyside Police said a 37-year-old man was interviewed under caution in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage.

The force confirmed it concerned an incident following Everton's match against United on 9 April.

The Football Association said it would recommence its own investigation.

After the incident, the Portuguese star, who voluntarily attended a police interview, issued a social media apology for his "outburst" and invited the young fan involved to watch a game at Old Trafford "as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship".

'Difficult moments'

The force launched an investigation after a clip was circulated online of the forward appearing to knock the boy's mobile phone to the ground after his side's 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.

A police spokesman said the matter had "been dealt with by way of conditional caution" and was "now concluded".

Ronaldo was booked in the game at Goodison Park, which saw his side lose 1-0 to Everton

In an Instagram post after the incident, Ronaldo said it was "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," he added.

Manchester United and Ronaldo's representatives have been contacted for comment.

The Press Association said it was understood the FA, which had paused its investigation while police looked into it, would now reopen its case and seek the player's observations about what happened.

The announcement of the caution followed an earlier statement from the Portuguese international, in which he said he would soon reveal "the truth" about his future playing career after reading so many "lies".

"They will know the truth when they interview in a couple weeks," he said.