It emerged earlier on Friday that Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly facing 99 lashes in Iran for adultery.
The Al-Nassr star visited the country last month, with his side beating Persepolis 2-0 in the Asian Champions League.
During his trip to Iran, Ronaldo met painter Fatima Hamimi.
Hamimi, who is said to be 85 per cent paralysed, gifted the footballer with portraits of himself.
Cristiano Ronaldo hugged and kissed a paralysed painter in Iran and may now be punished
TikTok
Ronaldo, according to Iranian media via Mundo Deportivo, has caused anger in the country for hugging the painter.
Footage published on social media shows him hugging the artist and gently kissing her on her head.
It's clear that he was acting honourably and only wanted to thank Hamimi for her remarkable paintings.
Yet Ronaldo has sparked a backlash in Iran with lawyers wanting him to face 99 lashes as a result of his actions.
In the country, touching a woman who isn't your wife is the equivalent to adultery.
And football fans have now reacted on social media backing the forward and leaping to his defence.
"Lol what a joke," said one user.
Another responded by saying: "What is this?"
A third chimed in by saying: "I thought it was sweet of him. I may be mistaken but it seems to me she enjoyed it:)."
"This is a joke," another user on the platform X said bluntly.
And a fifth fan took aim at Ronaldo's dwindling free-kick skills before saying: "He’s had a fair few lashes at free kicks the last few years, that have been awful! Give him a break."
Ronaldo will only have to suffer the punishment, reports claim, if he returns to Iran.
Currently, there's no plans for that to happen.
Al-Nassr have already played in the country and while they're in the Asian Champions League, there are no fixtures that mean the squad have to travel to the nation.
There could, however, be a potential offer if the Saudi Pro League side get out of the group stages and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Marca say Ronaldo could be forgiven by a judge if the acts are not punishable.
He may also have to show remorse in order to ensure he can play for Al-Nassr providing they go deep into the tournament.
Ronaldo has been in a relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez ever since 2016.
The 38-year-old said late last year that the 29-year-old was the 'love of his life' and gushed over their relationship.
"She's a fantastic person. Yes it is [true love]," he said.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been in a relationship with Georgina Rodriguez ever since 2016
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"Yes it was [like magic meeting for the first time]. Gio is part of me. She helps me so much.
"Of course I'm in love with her. She's the mum of my kids. I'm so passionate for her.
"She's my friend, we have conversations, I open my heart to her, she opened her heart to me. [She's the greatest love of my life]."
On potentially getting married, he added: "Why not. Not now!
"Why not, one day. We'll one day for sure. It's my mum's dream."
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