When Cristiano Ronaldo Accepts FA Charge Over Phone Incident!
Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and football’s all-time top goalscorer, has officially accepted the FA’s charge of improper conduct following an incident involving a young fan in September 2022.
The charge stems from an April encounter at Goodison Park, where Ronaldo, frustrated after Manchester United’s defeat to Everton, knocked a mobile phone out of a teenage fan’s hand.
The FA cited him for breaching Rule E3 over improper and/or violent behavior.
Press Conference Confusion
Following United’s win over Omonia Nicosia, manager Erik Ten Hag appeared to suggest that Ronaldo would contest the charge, telling reporters, “We spoke about that. He will not accept it.”
However, it later became clear that Ten Hag had misunderstood the question.
Club sources confirmed that Ronaldo has accepted the charge.
He had already apologized publicly after the incident and was given a formal caution by Merseyside Police.
What Happened at Goodison Park?
Jake Harding, 14, was recording CR7 on his phone as the player left the field, visibly limping.
In a moment of frustration, Cristiano slapped the device out of Jake’s hand.
The boy’s mother, Sarah Kelly, said the incident left him with a bruised hand. There’s no dispute about what happened.
United’s approach is to support Cristiano by providing the FA with context, highlighting his apology and an invitation he extended to Jake to attend a match at Old Trafford, which the family declined.
The club hopes to avoid a heavy suspension by presenting these mitigating factors.
Ronaldo’s Response and Return to Form
Despite the incident hanging over him, Ronaldo hit a major career milestone shortly after, scoring his 700th club goal during United’s win against Everton, ironically at the same stadium where the controversy unfolded.
Ten Hag, for his part, is backing CR7’s return to form after a bumpy start to the season.
“I want to get the best out of him,” Ten Hag said. “He’s getting sharper, and I’m happy with his progress. In the beginning, it was clear — missing pre-season hurts even the best players.”
With the FA charge now accepted and his focus back on the pitch, Cristiano’s aim is simple: help United climb the table and leave the off-field distractions behind.
Watch the incident video through this Facebook link: Watch Here
How Ronaldo’s Apology Played Out
After the footage of the incident went viral, Ronaldo quickly issued a public apology through his social media pages, describing the moment as an “outburst of frustration” and inviting the young fan to Old Trafford.
Although the invitation was declined, Ronaldo’s willingness to take responsibility and extend a hand showed a rare side of vulnerability, something that even his fiercest critics acknowledged.
At a time when footballers are often accused of living in a bubble, Ronaldo’s handling of the aftermath reflected his understanding of the influence he carries.
Impact on CR7’s Legacy
One incident doesn’t define a player’s career, but moments like these do leave a mark.
While Ronaldo remains a global icon, the Goodison Park controversy serves as a reminder that even the biggest names are still human and prone to mistakes under pressure.
Still, with 700 club goals under his belt and countless records to his name, Ronaldo’s broader legacy remains untouched.
His apology, acceptance of the charge, and commitment to move forward show a player aware of both his responsibilities and the weight of his reputation.
What Happens Next?
Now that CR7 has accepted the FA charge, the next steps could involve a fine, a warning, or potentially a short ban, depending on the outcome of the disciplinary process.
United will continue to support their veteran forward while keeping a close eye on the FA’s decision, which could come at a critical point in the club’s campaign.
For Ronaldo, the goal is simple: finish the season strong, keep scoring, and let his performances do the talking.
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