Man United news: Ex-Fifa official issues Cristiano Ronaldo ban claim after new punishment twist
Cristiano Ronaldo does not deserve a two-match ban for his actions after Man United were beaten 1-0 by Everton at Goodison Park earlier this year (9 April), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the FA’s decision to hand Ronaldo a two-match ban and £50,000 fine was “harsh”.
The 37-year-old was seen slapping a mobile phone out of the hand of a young Everton fan as he walked down the tunnel.
The FA confirmed last week (23 November) that he had been handed a two-match ban as well as a fine.
It took so long to come to the decision as the incident was investigated by Merseyside police but no charge was brought.
Asked whether he agreed with Ronaldo’s punishment from the FA, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Personally, no.
“I think it’s harsh. Look, he’s gained a lot of negative press off the back of that reaction. That’s got to add a bit of value to the suspension.
“It seems to me that a one-match suspension would have sent the appropriate message.
“£50,000 is £50,000. People will say it’s a small amount in relation to his earnings but that doesn’t matter really.
“I think a one-match ban would have been the right thing, full stop.”
Ronaldo left Man United by mutual consent last month (22 November) but his ban will carry over to his new club even if he moves abroad.
The forward is currently out in Qatar representing Portugal at the World Cup and they face Switzerland in the round of 16 on Tuesday (6 December).
In other news, Liverpool fear their senior man is quitting to join Man United