Ronaldo, Who Broke Opponent's Young Fan's Phone, Referred to FA Disciplinary Committee

Last April, Innocent 'Hwapuri' Taken Out on Fan Who Requested Autograph After Game in Gyeonggi
Police Closed Case Last Month with a 'Warning'

Global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing disciplinary action from the English Football Association for knocking a young fan's phone out of his hand.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Cristiano Ronaldo, a football player for Manchester United (Man Utd), is expected to face disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) after he forcefully struck the phone of a boy who requested his autograph following an away game loss.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 23rd (local time), the FA has referred Ronaldo to the disciplinary committee. The FA determined that Ronaldo violated E3 regulations due to inappropriate and violent behavior and has initiated disciplinary procedures.

Earlier, in April, after losing 0-1 in an away match against Everton in the English Premier League, Ronaldo forcefully struck the phone of an Everton fan who requested his autograph, causing it to fall to the ground. The fan, who was recording video at the time, posted footage of Ronaldo’s actions on social media, which led to widespread criticism and eventually prompted Ronaldo to issue an apology.

The 14-year-old boy who requested the autograph, Jacob Harding, is known to have autism and motor disabilities. The boy’s mother claimed, "At that time, Ronaldo was terribly angry and broke the phone in my son’s hand as he passed by," adding, "Seeing the bruises on my son, it is clear there was physical contact with Ronaldo." She continued, "I cried, and both Jacob and I were deeply shocked. Except for 'that incident' in the last few seconds, we had a perfect day."

Ultimately, Ronaldo officially apologized for his anger and invited the boy to a match held at Old Trafford. Subsequently, Ronaldo underwent a police investigation, and last month, the Merseyside Police in the UK closed the case by issuing a 'conditional caution.' However, the FA’s disciplinary action is proceeding separately, and Manchester United released a statement saying, "We will support Ronaldo throughout the disciplinary committee process."

Meanwhile, this is not the first time Ronaldo has failed to control his anger. In 2015, while playing for Real Madrid, Ronaldo was sent off after kicking an opposing defender and even punching him in the face.