Cristiano Ronaldo could face an extended ban for Man United imminently, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee suggested Ronaldo could feel hard done by if he is slapped with a suspension.
The FA confirmed via a statement last month (23 September) that the 37-year-old had been charged with “improper and/or violent conduct”.
He smashed a young fan’s phone as he walked off the pitch after Man United lost 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park earlier this year (9 April).
The Manchester Evening News reported last week (14 October) that Ronaldo has not contested the charge but will launch a defence if he is given a multi-match ban.
It is claimed that the club and player are in the dark to when a decision will be made on a ban.
“I just feel that this is all an exaggeration that’s escalating out of control,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“In fairness to Ronaldo, he’s admitted that he shouldn’t have done what he did but it wasn’t a physical assault.
“People have to understand that the players are human beings, they are focused on the game, wound up and all the things that go with it.
“I’m not giving Ronaldo an excuse, he’s a mature individual. But I think he’s generally got a good track record in terms of personal discipline for the level of games that he’s had in his time.
“I can understand that he’s taking the view where he will look at it, he’s admitted what he’s done is wrong so if they then go for a multi-match ban then he’ll appeal it.
“The one thing I will tell you at Man United is that they have the very top-level lawyers around that club. He will listen to their advice rather than my advice!”
Asked whether Ronaldo can expect the outcome imminently, Hackett said: “Yes.”