Cristiano Ronaldo’s name will be plastered across newspaper backpages after he scored twice on his Manchester United homecoming, but another name was on display directly above Old Trafford during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle.
In a stunt planned by feminist campaign group Level Up, a plane flew over the stadium delivering the message: “#BELIEVE KATHRYN MAYORGA”.
?? We flew a plane over the Man United football ground and our message is simple: Believe Kathryn Mayorga.
Let’s say NO to the culture of silence around abuse from the football community. Pledge your solidarity with Kathryn & survivors: https://t.co/YZgcxou75E pic.twitter.com/jvGVOBYTIP
— Level Up (@we_level_up) September 11, 2021
Ms Mayorga previously accused Ronaldo of raping her in Las Vegas in 2009, while the footballer vehemently denies the allegation.
In 2010, Mayorga was paid around £275,000 as part of an out of court non-disclosure settlement.
However, years later she claimed she signed the document while under duress and is now pursuing a civil lawsuit against Ronaldo.
Ronaldo did not seem to let the plane’s presence affect him as he delighted United fans with a dominant performance in his first Premier League game since 2009.
He netted in first-half stoppage time and then again on 62 minutes.