Cristiano Ronaldo apologized Saturday for what he described as an “outburst” after Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Everton in the Premier League.
Footage shared on social media showed Ronaldo apparently slapping a phone out of a supporter’s hand as he left the field at Goodison Park.
In a post on Instagram, Ronaldo said: “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.”
Ronaldo said it was “never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.”
“Nevertheless,” he said, “we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.”
The club have told Reuters they are looking into the incident.
The defeat left United seventh in the Premier League standings and they face the prospect of missing out on qualification for next season’s Champions League as they are six points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.