Ex-Premier League referee issues Cristiano Ronaldo ban claim as police conclude Man United investigation
Cristiano Ronaldo will likely not receive a ban for Man United despite being hit by an FA charge, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Ronaldo will only be given a warning after slapping a mobile phone out of a 14-year-old’s hand.
The FA confirmed last week (23 September) that the 37-year-old had been charged for “improper and/or violent” conduct for his behaviour after Man United’s 1-0 loss to Everton earlier this year (9 April).
The police had initially investigated the incident and issued Ronaldo with a caution.
“I suspect that the reason it has taken such a long time is that there was a risk this was going to be a court case and handled by the police,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“When there is that risk the FA has to step out of the process and let the law handle its own responsibilities.
“It appears they are not going to go any further with it so it will be dealt with by the FA.
“It was an act of petulance. Fans are fans and sometimes they say things they shouldn’t but this was a little lad. Whatever he said I think Ronaldo is a bigger player than that.
“Perhaps, a rattle across his cage is needed to say ‘Take care’.
“But I also think this is the responsibility of the club to protect their players, there are stewards and that’s also part of their framework.
“Goodison Park is very tight where you naturally form a queue to the tunnel. There is that blockage and that’s where stewarding can help.
“They will be aware of that and have probably already made some minor changes to that.
“A ban would be harsh. Obviously, he knows he’s done wrong and tried to recognise that. Perhaps a letter to his club is needed to deal with it in a sensible manner.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Man United will be “thrilled” by a Downing Street ruling as a disaster is dodged.