Cristiano Ronaldo has received a police caution for smashing an autistic boy's phone to the floor after Manchester United lost at Everton last season.
The United star, 37, appeared to slap the hand of Jacob Harding after he stormed off the field at Goodison Park following United's 1-0 defeat, damaging his phone.
Ronaldo apologised to the 14-year-old afterwards but was interviewed by police under caution in relation to alleged assault and criminal damage.
In a statement on Wednesday Merseyside Police said: 'We can confirm that a 37-year-old man voluntarily attended and was interviewed under caution in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage.
'The allegation relates to an incident following the Everton v Manchester United football match at Goodison Park on Saturday 9 April.
'The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.'
It is understood Ronaldo has agreed to pay compensation to the schoolboy.
Sarah Kelly claimed son Jacob Harding's first trip to watch Everton back in April was 'ruined' by the alleged altercation which happened as United left the pitch after the match.
Miss Kelly, from Upton, Merseyside, said her 14-year-old son was left with a 'bruised' hand after the phone was knocked from his grasp by Ronaldo, as the boy tried to film the United star's leg wound suffered during the match.
She said: 'We were right by the tunnel where they came walking past — my son was there videoing them all. And then he lowered his phone because Ronaldo had pulled down his sock and his leg was bleeding.
'He lowered his phone to see what it was — he didn't even speak. Ronaldo then just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son's hand and carried on walking.'
Miss Kelly took pictures of what she said was Jacob's bruised hand and smashed phone screen.
The 36-year-old added: 'You can see by the bruise that he's made contact. I was crying, I was shook up, Jacob was in complete shock — he's autistic and he's got dyspraxia as well, so he didn't really digest what was happening until we got home. He's really upset and it's completely put him off going to the game again.
'Ronaldo's a big player. My son's always been like "Ronaldo's going to be there" — he's an icon. I'd understand if Jacob was waving it in his face but he wasn't near his face, it was down by the floor checking his injury.
'He's an autistic boy and he's been assaulted by a football player, that's how I see it as a mum.'
Ronaldo posted an apology to his Instagram page after the game.
'It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing,' he wrote.
'Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.
'I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.'
nowhereee
474
🔙 #OnThisDay today 10 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo did a iconic celebration for Leo Messi's Goal!🤩
YormGokah
348
I tell you, a lot cried when Maradona put down his boots, and a lot will cry when Messi does same_ but the very day this man will play his last game... There's going to be a shock wave transmitted throughout the whole Universe and then we'll all agree to That truth some people continue to deny...🐐🇵🇹☝️
JoyNg
235
Thanks👍🔥 But still have nothing to do with the fact that CR7 is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME🐐💜💪👑💕
Hesabelsu
52
This whole article is improper. The incidence happened last season and it was even conclude. Now just because others feel Man U are losing because of him are now bring this old thing . I may not be a Man U fan but CR7 has always inspired me. This fact be told to say, CR7 is far match better than Messi. Both players are good but CR7 is outstanding. The truth is, the poor performance that is being displayed by Man is not CR7's case. There is a time in a season wen things don't go as planned n that should give the players strength to do even better than before. At a right club the same CR7 who seems to be worn-out can Shine n become a top scorer once more. All being said, CR7 needs just to adjust n make amend on his selfishness n should have respect for human kind. soccer is a game were players or participants depends on each other. I was just passing by anyway.
Brain01
34
Well appreciated We still love the GOAT No matter what My love for Cr7 is more than this Quote Abeg come with another one Ronaldo nah Baba
Hemjay1
34
My own goat 🐐 CR7 for life 🥰🥰🥰
MedicPrexxy
30
when there's no news to bring up About cr7 AF will dig up the past
AlwaysAndalways
22
I tell you, a lot cried when Maradona put down his boots, and a lot will cry when Messi does same_ but the very day this man will play his last game... There's going to be a shock wave transmitted throughout the whole Universe and then we'll all agree to That truth some people continue to deny...🐐🇵🇹☝️
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the shock wave will not go past ur street nieghborhood 🤣🤣😂😂😂😂
Blackchick
21
I ain't even a Ronaldo fan but this minor issue got blown way too out of proportion
wiseman45
19
I tell you, a lot cried when Maradona put down his boots, and a lot will cry when Messi does same_ but the very day this man will play his last game... There's going to be a shock wave transmitted throughout the whole Universe and then we'll all agree to That truth some people continue to deny...🐐🇵🇹☝️
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you're more useless than I thought, he stop playing today and nothing will happen, now that he is playing does it make any difference
CRISTIANOTHEGOAT
14
🔙 #OnThisDay today 10 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo did a iconic celebration for Leo Messi's Goal!🤩
[image]
You know it's a good goal when your rival's celebrating with you..
Mariosuarez2
12
I tell you, a lot cried when Maradona put down his boots, and a lot will cry when Messi does same_ but the very day this man will play his last game... There's going to be a shock wave transmitted throughout the whole Universe and then we'll all agree to That truth some people continue to deny...🐐🇵🇹☝️
[image]
All this for a tap in player ?? That offers only goal sorry d only thing u will miss is his naked post on Instagram
Emmy619
8
He went all the way to defend. He tried, unlike your dwarf who don’t go cross central ground!
Are you for Real..😂.. Common bro everybody know Messi is always playing in Midfield even when he started the game in Attacking position, he always end up in Central midfield position to Distribute ball and keep possession
nubaklms
8
🔙 #OnThisDay today 10 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo did a iconic celebration for Leo Messi's Goal!🤩
[image]
I can't forget this match rather, that's an awesome praise indeed
BigBoss999
8
🔙 #OnThisDay today 10 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo did a iconic celebration for Leo Messi's Goal!🤩
[image]
He went all the way to defend. He tried, unlike your dwarf who don’t go cross central ground!
FALANBUMA
8
🔙 #OnThisDay today 10 years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo did a iconic celebration for Leo Messi's Goal!🤩
[image]
goat