Ronaldo criticised for starring in Israeli commercial

Cristiano Ronaldo has come under fire for starring in a commercial for an Israeli internet company, with many fans disappointed with the footballer.

MENA

1 min read

Sana Uqba

12 February, 2016

The football star had previously supported the Palestinian cause [Anadolu]

International football star Cristiano Ronaldo has been heavily criticised for his appearance in an advert for an Israeli internet company.

The football star announced his involvement in the advert via a tweet on his social media platform which suggested he is "going to be a star in Israel."

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The minute-long commercial shows 31-year-old Ronaldo alongside three Israeli comedians who debate the footballer's speed with that of the company's cable connection.

But the humour did not translate well with a number of Ronaldo's 40.4million Twitter followers who were quick to respond with tweets including #freepalestine.

One user commented: "You spelled 'OCCUPIED PALESTINE' kinda [sic] weird there."

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The news comes as a surprise given Ronaldo's previous public support of the Palestinian cause.

The star allegedly refused to swap shirts with an Israeli footballer at a friendly match while numerous online images depict the star donning pro-Palestine gear.

In 2012, reports confirmed a 1.5million-euro donation was made by the football star to the children of Gaza.

His pro-Palestinian fans took the opportunity to express their discontent regarding the commercial with many saying they have "lost respect" for the player.

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