Ronaldo allegations

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most recent famous names to have received sexual abuse allegations against him. The United States, which has experienced its own slough of cases over sexual misconduct, is reopening a case against the world renowned Portuguese football player who currently plays for the team Juventus. Albeit the case is from 2009, let this be a lesson to every adult and young adult that once illicit behaviour is committed, it will follow them throughout life. Since this is an ongoing case, we will refrain from harsh opinions. However, in its own best long-term interest, the team’s decision to allow him to play may proliferate into a public relations nightmare.

The teammates, including Coach Massimiliano Allegri, who have supported Ronaldo are cautioned. The global movement against sexual abuse has gained momentum, especially in the country out of which the allegation arises. Protests in the US have been erupting over recent FBI findings in a similar case against US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The people of the United States are agitated. Just as US markets plummeted this week, Ronaldo’s team Juventus’ stock plunged 20%. Ronaldo’s endorsers and team sponsors have expressed concern; associating their brand with Ronaldo’s name is risky behaviour and stakeholders should remain alert.

Allegations against Ronaldo should be investigated on an urgent basis. The player has millions of fans following him, including young boys and girls. If he is found guilty, he would no longer deserve the honour given to him and the innocent minds must be turned away from revering him. For some adults, it should be enough that the man even has allegations against him identifying that, at the very least, he previously engaged in questionable behaviour. This is uncharacteristic of a role model, but we will wait for a verdict.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2018.

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