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12th November 2021
04:38pm GMT

"I jumped over the barrier because I was in the second row," she explained. "I jumped over the first row and over the barrier. "Then I sprinted onto the pitch, but there were security guards running behind me and there was another two coming from the other corner so I just kept sprinting. "When I saw the other two coming from the other corner I ran more towards the halfway line so then I could swerve around them, but then they caught me."https://www.instagram.com/p/CWJwKZ7KA2N/ Despite being caught by security, she managed to get the attention of Ronaldo by shouting his name. She said:"I was just screaming Ronaldo's name. He turned around and he saw me and he was telling them to leave me. "So then I was calling him over. He came over to me. I was just in shock and crying and I was like 'Can I have your jersey? Please, please. I'm a big, huge fan'. "He was saying are you okay?" "When my dad seen him taking off the shirt, my dad's face was just in shock. "I was like 'oh my God, this is it, this is my dream, it's finally coming true'. That was probably his last time playing in Ireland. He [Ronaldo] said I appreciate that and everything." UPDATE: The FAI confirmed to SportsJOE in a statement that Whelan will not be fined.
“We want to reassure Addison that of course she will not face any fine for running onto the pitch and asking for Ronaldo’s jersey," FAI Media and Football Relations Director Cathal Dervan said.This was before adding: "On a serious note we would remind fans at all games that fines are liable to be levied by UEFA in certain instances for entering the field of play, particularly when the game is ongoing and we urge all fans to respect this very sensible rule.” Related links:
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