When you’ve got nearly 80 million followers on Instagram, chances are your posts will offend someone.
That’s exactly what has happened to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been accused of ‘disrespecting’ the Buddhist faith after he posted a picture of himself alongside a statue on Thursday evening.
The Real Madrid striker’s seemingly innocent pose outside his Madrid home infuriated a number of fans on social media who took issue with Ronaldo’s foot position.
Ronaldo’s right foot is resting at the base of the Buddhist statue, a detail that prompted a flurry of angry responses from Buddhists.
“Hi dude but its basic knowledge that you cannot put your foot on a religious statue,” one follower wrote.
“Pls don ‘t do this. We r buddhist. My god. My trust. but under of your legs. It’s so rude.
“This is not cool at all man. I know ur not Buddhist but plz respect for other religions,” added one disappointed fan.
“I’m pretty sure as an educated football player you should have known which kind of behavior can be provocative,” wrote another user.
Ronaldo was defended by another fan who claimed the former Manchester United forward meant to cause no offence.
“He wasn’t meaning to disrespect any religion guys. have a nice day.”
it’s a freaking statue…buddha wasn’t a god he was a man so what the ish？
I don’t say what I don’t know. May be he meant no harm at all, Pls pardon him if he disrespected your religion
Moh’d yhu know the sonq bt ur voice no qood abeg
lol…i get good voice ooo, u wan try
You need to hear me sing ‘amazing grace’ bro
Oya record am send to me
Aiite