Cristiano Ronaldo: Activists fly ‘Believe Kathryn Mayorga’ banner over Old Trafford to protest sexual assault allegations

Cristiano Ronaldo: Activists fly ‘Believe Kathryn Mayorga’ banner over Old Trafford to protest sexual assault allegations

A banner ‘Believe Kathryn Mayorga ‘ was flown over Manchester United’s stadium as support message for Kathryn Mayorga, the woman who accused Cristiano Ronaldo of sexually assaulting her in 2009. Ronaldo made his shocking return to Manchester United earlier this summer and made his debut in a 4-1 win against Newcastle.

The feminist group Level Up were responsible for the banner and they also posted on Twitter saying “Let’s say NO to the culture of silence around abuse from the football community.” Kathryn claimed that Ronaldo raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room in the summer of 2009, but the Portuguese have these claims.

“I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in,” the 36 year-old said on Twitter in 2018. In 2019, US prosecutors decided that Ronaldo would not face any criminal charges because the investigation held was unable to gather any information which would show the claim to true.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating for Manchester United

The plane was flown over Old Trafford on Saturday when Manchester United won 4-1 against Newcastle United with Ronaldo scoring a brace in his second Manchester United debut, and the fans Old Trafford and also around the world were happy to see Ronaldo score in Manchester United colors.

“2018 was probably my worst year ever”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOKDfkC9GYc

In 2019, Ronaldo said that the rape allegation against him was an attack on his honour and led to the worst year of his life. “2018 was probably my worst year ever, personally speaking. When people question your honour, it hurts, it hurts a lot.” Ronaldo told while speaking to Portuguese television TVI.

However the investigation was closed in 2009 but was reopened in 2018 shortly before Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit against the former Real Madrid and Juventus player.

Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother in tears as he scores first Manchester United goal in 12 years