Ronaldo is described as the most arrogant person I’ve ever talked to
Recently, a British publication reported on an incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and a young Manchester United fan. The piece centered on a phone call that allegedly occurred after a Premier League match and drew attention to the emotional tension surrounding the sports star and a family affected by autism.
The event in question took place after a 32nd‑week EPL game between Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester United during the 2021/22 season, a match won by Everton by at least a goal. The report notes that Ronaldo walked off the pitch while filming a fan’s injured leg, and that the phone was dropped amid the exchange. The boy involved, Jake Harding, had been diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia, prompting his mother, Sarah Kelly, to file a police report against Ronaldo.
In an effort to avoid wider controversy, Ronaldo reportedly sought a pre‑trial conversation with the boy’s mother to resolve matters outside court. The mother recounted the exchange, describing Ronaldo as supremely combative and recalling his questions about meeting Ronaldo’s family and his claim of being a good father. Ronaldo reportedly spoke of a difficult childhood and a lost father, prompting Kelly to respond with her own experiences of hardship and illness.
Queries about whether Ronaldo knew the boy by name were raised, with Ronaldo using the term “boy” in reference to the child. Kelly said Ronaldo acknowledged that the boy was in trouble, but argued that the boy was disabled, while suggesting Ronaldo faced his own personal struggles. The confrontation allegedly escalated, with Kelly demanding accountability for any physical contact, and Ronaldo offering apologies but denying wrongdoing. Manchester United reportedly did not impose sanctions, accepting Ronaldo’s online apologies instead.
Kelly concluded that Ronaldo had warned of formidable legal support and a media strategy, hinting at ongoing legal maneuvering. She suggested that Ronaldo would prefer the incident stay out of the media and court, given the strength of his legal team and media leverage.
Threats, theft allegations and fear of leaving the house from Manchester United fans
In the aftermath, Kelly reported receiving threats from some United supporters after the incident circulated publicly. She described the backlash as harsh and felt that her son was unfairly painted as the culprit, with Ronaldo cast as the innocent party.
Kelly expressed fear about leaving the house and said she faced constant scrutiny, including online harassment. She reported that the police had issued a warning, which she viewed as a miscarriage of justice and a personal betrayal. The experience intensified a sense of anxiety and distress for the family, underscoring the toll on daily life.
During further conversations, Kelly recounted feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained, describing moments of tears and fear while dealing with the fallout from the coverage. She stated that the police investigation began as her account was corroborated by witnesses and media reports, and she expressed disappointment that Ronaldo did not strengthen the family’s position or provide support beyond apologies.
Following the broadcast, Kelly did not abandon her plans to pursue legal action. If Ronaldo changes clubs before the summer transfer window closes, the case could be delayed further, making the ultimate resolution less certain for some time to come.