Qatar World Cup: Will Cristiano Ronaldo's 2-Match Ban Affect His Portugal Campaign?

Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a two-match ban from domestic matches for knocking out an Everton fan's phone from his hand.

The incident took place in April during Manchester United's trip to Merseyside for a Premier League game. The 37-year-old forward allegedly hit the fan's phone as he went down the tunnel after Manchester United's 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.

Ronaldo reportedly received a police warning in August and he apologized to the young fan immediately after the incident.

An independent Football Association (FA) hearing found the Portuguese forward guilty of improper and violent conduct Wednesday. He was fined $60,437, along with the two-match ban, reported BBC Sport.

However, the two-match ban won't affect Ronaldo's World Cup campaign with Portugal. He is set to lead his country in their opening fixture against Ghana on Thursday.

Ronaldo recently left Manchester United on mutual consent. This happened following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, where the player slammed Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag and the club.

The former Real Madrid star will be allowed to join a new club, including any in the Premier League, on a free transfer when the winter window opens in January.

Ronaldo will serve the ban at the domestic level with the new club - in England or abroad - although it does not apply at the continental club level, such as the Champions League.

Manchester United thanked Ronaldo for his contributions to the club across two spells, with the first one lasting for six years from 2003 to 2009.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future. Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch," read Manchester United's statement.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford for his second stint in the summer of 2021. He finished as the club's leading scorer in the 2021-22 season with 24 goals.