Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo to face FA hearing over Everton charge

The outcome of Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo's improper conduct charge will be determined by a Football Association hearing, it has been confirmed.

The 37-year-old is reported to have responded to the FA's charge of breaching rule E3, which relates to improper and/or violent conduct. It relates to an incident which occurred following United's 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park back in April earlier this year.

Ronaldo, who scored in the Reds' 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday evening, marking the 700th goal of his club career, was filmed appearing to knock a phone out of an Everton supporter's hand as he made his way back to the away dressing room following the full-time whistle. The incident was immediately reported to Merseyside Police and the striker was cautioned in August.

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It is currently unknown whether Ronaldo, who apologised to the supporter quickly after the incident, has accepted the charge handed out to him by the FA. The defeat to Everton had all but ended United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, meaning emotions were running particularly high.

A statement released by the FA last month, confirming the charge against Ronaldo, said: "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. It is alleged that the forward's conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent."

United issued a response, saying: "We note the FA announcement in relation to Cristiano Ronaldo. We will be supporting the player in his response to the charge."

Under FA ruling the case must go to a