Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for smashing a teenage fan's phone to the ground following a defeat at Everton last season.
Ronaldo, 37, apologised to the 14-year-old fan via social media after the incident, which took place after United's 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park in April.
"Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for an incident that took place after Manchester United FC’s Premier League match against Everton FC on Saturday 9 April 2022," the FA said in a statement.
"It is alleged that the forward's conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent."
United said they would support Ronaldo in his response to the charge.
The Portuguese forward, currently on Nations League duty with his country, was cautioned by the police in August regarding the incident.
Video footage appeared to show Ronaldo angrily slapping the phone out of the boy's hand as he walked down the tunnel.
The boy's mother said he had been left with a bruised hand and that his phone screen had been smashed.
Ronaldo prepares for Nations League
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during a training session at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, 20 September 2022. Portugal take on Czech Republic (Saturday) and Spain (Tuesday) in upcoming Uefa Nations League fixtures. EPA -
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in action during a training session at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal. EPA -
Portugal's Joao Palhinha . EPA -
Portugal's Nuno Mendes, left, and Goncalo Ramos. EPA -
Portugal's Rafael Leao in action during a training session. EPA -
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo takes a break during training. EPA -
Portugal's head coach Fernando Santos, left, watches on as Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates warm-up. EPA -
Portugal's head coach Fernando Santos talks to Cristiano Ronaldo. EPA
