The Iranian embassy in Madrid has disputed reports that Cristiano Ronaldo had been sentenced to 99 lashes for adultery.
When the Saudi team traveled to Iran last month for their AFC Champions League match against Persepolis, the Al-Nassr star met Iranian painter Fatemeh Hamami, who is 85 percent paralyzed and a big follower of his.
The artist gave Ronaldo a painting of himself, and he embraced her as they posed for a photo.
According to Mundo Deportivo, a number of Iranian attorneys have filed a criminal complaint over the embrace, since touching a lady who is not your wife is considered adultery in the nation. According to the article, the justice system moved swiftly and sentenced the 38-year-old to 99 lashes.
The Iranian embassy in Madrid, on the other hand, has tried to deny such rumors, pointing out that his meeting with the artist was endorsed by Iranian authorities.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any sentence against any international athlete in Iran,” the statement said.
“It is concerning that the publication of such erroneous news may cast a pall over crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.”
“It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo visited Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official soccer match and was warmly welcomed by the people and authorities.”
“His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”
More in Sports: https://buzzing.today/sports/
Photo Credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/