Cristiano Ronaldo smashed a 14-year-old fan's phone out of his hand in a post-loss tantrum, and is now being probed by police

• Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a police investigation for an alleged assault on a teenager.
• The striker smashed Jake Harding's phone from his hand after Manchester United's loss to Everton.

Cristiano Ronaldo smashed a young fan's phone from his hand after Manchester United's defeat to Everton on Saturday, and the incident is now being investigated by local police.

Footage circulated on social media shows 14-year-old Everton supporter Jake Harding attempting to film Ronaldo as he left the field at the final whistle. As he walked down the tunnel, the Portuguese striker slapped Harding's phone out of his hand.

Harding's mother, Sarah Kelly, told the Liverpool Echo that her son was left with a "bruised" hand by Ronaldo's slap.

"We were right by the tunnel where they came walking past — my son was there videoing them all," she said. "And then he lowered his phone because Ronaldo had pulled down his sock and his leg was bleeding.

"He lowered his phone to see what it was — he didn't even speak. Ronaldo then just walked past, with a terrible, terrible temper and smashed the phone out of my son's hand and carried on walking."

Kelly shared pictures to the Echo of the bruising to Harding's hand allegedly caused by Ronaldo, as well as a photo of the boy's smashed phone.

"He's an idol. My son's always been like, 'Ronaldo's going to be there' — he's an icon," Kelly continued.

"I'd understand if Jake were waving it in his face but he wasn't near his face; it was down by the floor checking his injury. He's an autistic boy and he's been assaulted by a football player — that's how I see it as a mum."

Merseyside police confirmed Sunday that it was investigating an "alleged assault" on "a boy by one of the away team" and will speaking to all the parties involved, while Ronaldo posted a message on Instagram on Saturday evening apologizing for the outburst.

"It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing," wrote the 37-year-old. "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 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."

A United spokesperson said later Saturday that the club was aware of the incident and "will cooperate with any police inquiries."