Cristiano Ronaldo left my autistic son, 14, bruised & battered after smashing his phone in fit of rage over Everton loss

Posted Sunday, April 10, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

A MUM has told how Cristiano Ronaldo left her autistic son battered and bruised when he slapped an iPhone out of his hand in a fit of rage after losing to Everton.

Sarah Kelly had taken her 14-year-old son to cheer on his beloved Blues for the first time when the day turned sour.

Ronaldo tonight apologised after video showed him slamming an iPhone out of the hand of a fan

Video circulating on social media after today’s match showed a visibly angry Ronaldo knocking a mobile phone out of a supporter's hand as he made his way off the Goodison Park turf.

Now Sarah has claimed it is her son who was “assaulted” by the United superstar as he headed back to the away team dressing room.

She told The Liverpool Echo: "At full-time the Man United players started walking off. We were in the Park End so we were right by the tunnel where they came walking past - my son was there videoing them all.

"He filmed all the United players walking through. 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."

She added: "You can see by the bruise that he’s made contact. I just can’t believe I’m talking about it."

Tonight the football star posted on Instagram to say sorry - and offered the unfortunate Everton fan the chance to come and watch another United game.

But Sarah says her son who is autistic and has dyspraxia has been left in "complete shock" and has been put off going to matches.

She said: "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 he’s come home now.

"He’s really upset about it and it’s completely put him off going to the game again. This is the first football game he’s been to and this has happened.

"We had an absolutely brilliant day up until those final few seconds when they came off the pitch. It completely ruined the day and put a bad taste in our mouths."

Sarah claims her son's phone was completely smashed after being hit out of his hand.

She added: "I’d understand if Jake 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."

Earlier Ronaldo’s club confirmed they were "looking into" the incident, which was circulated on social media.

In his apology post this evening Ronaldo, 37, said: "It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.

"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 apologize 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."