Cristiano Ronaldo banned for two matches and fined $60,000 after fan clash

The football star was involved in a flare-up with a 14-year-old boy following Manchester United's 1-0 loss away to Everton in the Premier League

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By AFP

Published: Wed 23 Nov 2022, 8:24 PM

Last updated: Fri 25 Nov 2022, 9:13 AM

Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for two matches and fined £50,000 ($60,000, €58,000) for hitting a mobile phone out of a teenage fan's hand at Everton, the Football Association said on Wednesday.

Ronaldo, now a free agent following his release by Manchester United on Tuesday, was involved in a flare-up with a 14-year-old boy following the Red Devils 1-0 loss away to Everton in the Premier League at Goodison Park on April 9.

He was cautioned by Merseyside Police, while the FA also charged the Portugal forward with improper conduct. Now an independent panel has handed down a suspension and a fine.

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The ban will be transferred when Ronaldo joins a new club in any country, but does not apply in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

In Portugal's opening match against Ghana, the 37-year-old netted a penalty, creating a record for the first man to score in 5 World Cups, as his team finished 3-2, in a tournament otherwise marred by surprise wins.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos hailed the legend, who is playing in what is likely his last World Cup, as a legend of the game.

"I believe people will continue to speak about his achievements, he is a phenomenon, a legend like others in football," said Santos.

"In 50 years time we will continue to talk about him."

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"It was an important step, it was a week which finished this chapter. It is closed, and we want to start on the good foot," added Ronaldo.

"I could help my team and all the rest does not matter."

"Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for two matches, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for a breach of FA rule E3," said a statement from English football's governing body.

"The forward admitted that his conduct after the final whistle of the Premier League game between Manchester United FC and Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022 was improper.

"An independent regulatory commission found that his conduct was both improper and violent during a subsequent hearing, and imposed these sanctions."

Ronaldo requested a personal hearing in a bid to avoid a suspension.

During the hearing, held via Microsoft Teams on November 8, Ronaldo said he had "legitimate concern ... for his own physical safety and well-being and leaving the field of play" after approaching the tunnel where Everton fans were gathering.

The panel, however, said Ronaldo's conduct was an "act born of frustration and annoyance rather than fear or concern for his wellbeing", but they also rejected the FA's bid to have him banned for three games.

AFP

Published: Wed 23 Nov 2022, 8:24 PM

Last updated: Fri 25 Nov 2022, 9:13 AM

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