Feminists stage plane protest against Cristiano Ronaldo sexual assault allegations during Manchester United game

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Feminist activists held up a banner reading #Believe Kathryn Mayorga as Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Just after kick-off on Saturday, a plane flew over the stadium referring to the rape allegations of Ms Mayorgas, which the player denies.

Level Up co-director Janey Starling accused the club of creating a culture of silence around sexual allegations, suggesting he was greeted like a hero.

Kathryn Mayorga claims Ronaldo raped her in a Las Vegas penthouse suite in 2009.

Although a complaint was lodged with the police, no charges were ever brought against the player. Ms Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit in 2018 seeking damages from the footballer, who strongly denied the allegations.

Janey Starling, Level Up co-director, said: Manchester United have greeted Cristiano like a hero and created a culture of silence over the rape allegations made against him. It ends today.

Acted today to show that we stand in solidarity with Kathryn Mayorga and every survivor of sexual violence.

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo attends the football match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, England on Saturday 11 September 2021 (Photo: AP Photo / Rui Vieira)

She continued: If we as a society are to end sexual violence, we must all break the silence that surrounds it and face the uncomfortable truth that anyone is capable of sexually assaulting your. best friend to your favorite footballer and they should face consequences if they do.

In England and Wales, only 1.6% of rape cases result in a suspect being charged. The criminal justice system is failing thousands of women.

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Cristiano Ronaldo responds to rape accusation against Kathryn Mayorga, says he has a clear conscience

Hayden Campbell, a Manchester United fan who supports the campaign, said: Top-down football has a horrible problem with sexism.

The fact that we have fans and journalists who are happy to have the right to brag and write about a player, and totally indifferent to the allegations of sexual assault is awful.

I share a season pass, and the best option I could find is to donate to Rape Crisis and continue to do so for every match I attend.

Ronaldo scored twice in his first official second leg with Manchester United beating NewcastleUnited4-0.

The footballer continued to deny the allegations. Manchester United have been contacted for comment.

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