Cristiano Ronaldo statue set on fire in bizarre video as police make arrest | Football

A statue of Cristiano Ronaldo was set on fire in his hometown of Madeira with a vandal filming himself carrying out the act.

A video shared on Instagram by user ‘Zaino.tcc.filipe’ went viral overnight with a young man seen dousing the bronze sculpture in a flammable liquid before setting it alight outside the CR7 Museum in the Madeiran capital Funchal.

The inidivdual then stops to dance in front of the camera before making his exit, sharing the video alongside the message: ‘This is God’s last warning.’

The statue was moved to its current location outside the museum after it was vandalised by Lionel Messi fans over a decade ago.

Portuguese authorities have now confirmed an arrest has been made.

The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police said in a statement: ‘Following the events that recently occurred near the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal, it was possible to successfully resolve the situation.

‘The police authority thanks the public for their contribution, which was also essential to the outcome of this operation.

‘The PSP publicly thanks all citizens who, responsibly and promptly, reported the incident and shared relevant information. This collaboration proved crucial for the rapid identification and interception of the individual in question, allowing for effective and proportionate action.’

More to follow

MORE: Luka Modric names toughest manager in the world who ‘made Cristiano Ronaldo cry’

MORE: How many goals Cristiano Ronaldo has scored as he makes retirement pledge?