Fulham defender John Pantsil has angrily rejected a newspaper report that he said he was rewarded financially by the English club for nullifying Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ghana international warned the 90 Minutes newspaper to withdraw the claim within 24 hours or face legal action.

The report claimed that Pantsil told them that he was given £10,000 for his heroics during their 2-1 win over Manchester United on 21 March.

But the defender says the report is completely false and is causing him a major embarrassment.

"I am surprised how a newspaper could come up with such rubbish when they have not spoken to me. This is a complete fabrication," Pantsil told Ghanasoccernet.com.

"I have not spoken, met or seen anyone from 90 Minutes and I don’t know who they are.

"But my message to them is simple: Come out and clear this falsehood or I will ask my legal representatives to write to them.

"This is a very false newspaper report and I want the public to utterly disregard it."

Under English Football Association rules, bonuses must be written into a player's contract and Fulham have been quick to deny the claim.

Fulham spokeswoman Sarah Brookes said: "It is rubbish to suggest any of our players were given £10,000 for beating Manchester United. None of them received any extra money."