Cristiano Ronaldo faces FA ban after being charged over ‘phone slap’

The FA said that the Manchester United striker had been charged with “improper and or violent conduct” after the incident, which occurred on April 9 after Everton’s 1-0 win at Goodison Park.

Ronaldo, 37, knocked the phone out of the hand of a 14-year-old Everton fan as the boy filmed him walking down the tunnel. Ronaldo apologised to the teenager on social media afterwards but he could still be in hot water over the incident.

It is hard to say what kind of punishment Ronaldo will face, as the incident is unprecedented. But the FA’s three-man regulatory commission – drawn from former players, managers and legal specialists – can warn, fine or ban a player for one or more matches if they are found guilty of improper or violent conduct.

In standard cases the FA offers a plea deal in which players receive a fine or warning if they accept the charge. However, this is being treated by the FA as a “non-standard case”. That happens only when the governing body deems the matter to be particularly serious or if the player who is charged has previously been found guilty of misconduct.

Ronaldo must now decide whether to accept or deny the charge. After the FA receives his response, there will be a hearing to decide any punishment.

The FA has had to wait until now to charge Ronaldo as it did not want to prejudice the police investigation into the matter. Last month Merseyside police cautioned Ronaldo after an allegation of assault and criminal damage was made against him.

United said in a statement: “We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo. We will be supporting the player in his response to the charge.”

-The Times

Originally published as Cristiano Ronaldo faces FA ban after being charged over ‘phone slap’