 "'Terribly dismissive' — Twitter reacts to Juventus' statement backing rape-accused star Cristiano Ronaldo")
Juventus have been criticised after the Serie A champions tweeted out their support of embattled superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been accused of rape by former model Kathryn Mayorga. On Thursday, Juventus backed Ronaldo in a couple of tweets stating that Ronaldo has “shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus.” In the following tweet, Juventus further added that the incident, which Mayorga alleges occurred in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009, does “not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.” Sportswear giants Nike, as well as gaming company EA Sports expressed their concerns about the allegations . “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” a Nike spokesman told AFP. A statement issued by EA said, “We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values.” Juventus shares also took a hit as stocks in the Italian champions were 1.25 euros, down 5.37 percent, after trading opened in Milan. Juventus’ tweets in support of Ronaldo drew considerable criticism from Twitter users who criticised the Old Lady of Turin of being ’tone deaf’ and ’terribly dismissive’. Take a look at some reactions
Whatever the legal outcome, this is awful from Juventus: pic.twitter.com/3ZDNkscTdx
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 5, 2018
Even if the Las Vegas investigation of sexual assault (which Cristiano Ronaldo denies) were to clear Ronaldo, this is a truly terrible tweet from Juventus. https://t.co/2HLCQGLgdJ
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) October 4, 2018
Don't think it's helpful to offer opinions on serious allegations - particularly on social media - but that Juventus statement is abhorrent.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) October 4, 2018
'Allegations do not change our opinion that he is a great champion' - this is bigger than sporting achievement, for goodness sake.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWith inputs from Agencies.
 "US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth")
 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
 "China seizes 60,000 maps mislabelling Taiwan, omitting South China Sea islands")
 "Syria’s Sharaa pledges to honor Russia ties, seeks economic and military support in Kremlin visit")
 "US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth")
 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
 "China seizes 60,000 maps mislabelling Taiwan, omitting South China Sea islands")
 "Syria’s Sharaa pledges to honor Russia ties, seeks economic and military support in Kremlin visit")
