Cristiano Ronaldo will contest the Football Association’s accusation of inappropriate conduct after the Manchester United star got into a fight with an Everton supporter last season, according to Erik ten Hag on Wednesday.
After United lost 1-0 at Goodison Park on April 9, video appeared to show Ronaldo shoving a young boy’s cellphone to the ground.
Merseyside Police issued a warning to the 37-year-old, and the FA charged Ronaldo for the incident last month.
Ronaldo ran into the Everton supporter as he was heading for the tunnel, and the former Real Madrid and Juventus player afterwards apologised for his behaviour.
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Ronaldo will fight the FA charge, according to United boss Ten Hag who spoke with the Portugal forward.
“We talked about that and he will not accept it,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing,” Ronaldo said on Instagram.
“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.”
Anthony Martial has had three injuries this season, and Ten Hag confesses he feels bad for the United forward.
The addition of Ten Hag gave Martial’s sputtering United career new energy, and on the preseason tour of Thailand and Australia, the France international started up front in all four games.
Martial was forced to miss the first few weeks of the season due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the final friendly, before suffering an Achilles problem and leaving Everton due to a back ailment.
By scoring his 700th club goal in United’s 2-1 victory over Everton on Sunday, Ronaldo ironically had a more successful trip to Everton.
“I want to support him as much as possible,” Ten Hag said.
“We have a certain demand on players, what we expect from them in certain positions on the pitch. But that is as every other player.
“I want to get the best out of him. Obviously he is getting in a better shape now and I am happy with that, so he can contribute more to the squad and I am sure he will do.”
