Cristiano Ronaldo Bombarded With Criticism For Appearing In Israel Commercial

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo "became embroiled in the online battleground of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Wednesday" after posting his new appearance in an Israeli commercial on social media, according to Jack Moore of NEWSWEEK. Palestinians, pro-Palestinian activists and Arabs from other states "took to Twitter, YouTube and Facebook" to criticize Ronaldo for "aligning himself with an Israeli company." The commercial for Israeli Internet company HOT sees Ronaldo appear alongside three Israeli comedians who "praise the speed at which they can watch the Portuguese player before he appears to say that he is faster than HOT’s broadband connection." Ronaldo posted his new endorsement on his social media platforms before "comments of praise began to appear from Israelis and comments of criticism poured in from supporters of the other side of the conflict" (NEWSWEEK, 2/11). The EFE reported advertising banners bearing Barcelona striker Neymar's photo "have caused controversy in the holy city of Mecca and led to the adverts being removed from the city's streets." The decision was made after it was decided that the advertising violated the "religious sanctity" of the city at the heart of the Muslim faith. McDonald's removed the adverts bearing Neymar's photo following criticism on social media. Neither the authorities nor McDonald's "have confirmed whether the decision was related to Neymar's regular Christian gestures out on the pitch" (EFE, 2/11).