Arson Attack on Ronaldo Statue Sparks Outrage

A bronze statue of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to an unusual arson attack on his home island of Madeira. On Tuesday morning, a vandal was captured on camera dousing the 11-foot effigy in flammable liquid before igniting it outside the CR7 Museum in Funchal.

The individual, who filmed the act himself, documented the moment flames engulfed the sculpture. As the fire spread, the perpetrator backed away to perform a frantic dance to loud rap music. The footage concludes with the vandal making obscene gestures towards the statue, including thrusting his groin and displaying a middle finger at the bronze likeness, which was unveiled by Ronaldo in 2014.

The outrageous video was later posted on Instagram by a user claiming to be a “freestyler and local man.” Accompanying the clip was a disturbing caption stating, “This is God’s last warning.”

The post incited immediate outrage among Ronaldo’s extensive fan base, with many denouncing the act as a desperate bid for attention. While it remains uncertain if the statue has sustained irreversible damage, the flames appeared to extinguish quickly after the initial flare-up.

Local authorities in Funchal have swiftly initiated an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson from the PSP police force confirmed to local media that the suspect has been identified and is known for similar prior incidents. However, law enforcement has not yet apprehended him.

A representative for the CR7 Museum indicated that the matter is under police jurisdiction and declined to provide further comments. This incident marks not the first time the statue, noted for its generous physical proportions, has attracted negative attention; it was relocated to its current site in 2016 after being vandalized by supporters of Lionel Messi.

This bronze statue should not be confused with the infamous airport bust that gained international notoriety for its questionable resemblance to the Portuguese superstar. When the museum statue was initially defaced in 2016 with Messi’s name and number, Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, vehemently criticized the “savages” responsible, suggesting they should be sent to Syria for their lack of respect.

“I find the act itself dishonorable, but what I find more shameful is the envy and rage that some unloved and frustrated individuals display publicly in a disgraceful manner, which leaves me, as a Portuguese person, ashamed and sad,” she stated.

“Those responsible for this and other negative actions directed at him should understand that our island was recently recognized as the world’s leading island destination, not only for its stunning sea, marvelous gastronomy, or warm Madeiran hospitality, but also in part due to this great Madeiran figure who honors his roots.”

“Regrettably, my beautiful island is still home to some frustrated individuals who should reside in Syria among people who do not respect each other and lack communal harmony.”

While Ronaldo is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, his influence remains significant in Madeira. It remains to be seen how his family will respond to this latest act of vandalism directed at the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.