Iran respond to Cristiano Ronaldo 'facing 99 lashes for adultery' as football star scores twice for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo: Iran have shut down suggestions football star is facing 99 lashes
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The Iranian embassy in Madrid has denied claims Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive 99 lashes for adultery.
On Friday, reports in Spain said the Portugal international had been sentenced after hugging painter Fatemah Hamimi during a trip to the country.
The artist provided Ronaldo with some portraits of himself and the Al-Nassr star was visibly delighted.
As well as a hug, he also kissed Hamimi gently on the forehead while surrounded by an entourage of people.
Cristiano Ronaldo was subject of lashing rumours after posing with a painter
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However, on Friday, reports in Iran said Ronaldo was facing 99 lashes.
That's because, according to Iranian law, touching a woman who isn't your wife is the equivalent to adultery.
It was a shocking story, with football fans taking to social media to vent their fury.
But it seems as though Ronaldo is safe with the Iranian embassy in Madrid denying the rumours.
They issued a statement that read: "We strongly deny the issuance of any sentence against any international athlete in Iran.
"It is of concern that the publication of such ill founded news could cast a shadow over crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.
"It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official soccer match and was very well received by the people and the authorities.
"His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country's sports authorities."
Ronaldo put the rumours behind him by firing Portugal to a 3-2 win over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 qualifying match.
Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring, with Ronaldo then doubling his side's lead from the penalty spot.
Slovakia were able to make it 2-1 before Ronaldo struck again, with the 38-year-old also netting his 125th international goal in the process.
And while the visitors got another consolation through Stanislav Lobotka, Portugal were able to hold on to make the result safe.
It means Portugal have won all seven of their Group J qualifying fixtures.
And they're now the third country guaranteed to be playing at Euro 2024 next summer, with France, Belgium and hosts Germany already qualified.
Ronaldo reacted to his heroics on Instagram by saying: "We're at EURO 2024!
"Very happy to help Portugal reach another final stage of a great competition.
"A special thanks to the Portuguese Football Federation and to the fans present at the stadium for the beautiful tribute!"
Ronaldo could feature when Portugal face Bosnia on Monday night (7.45pm).
Bosnia also won on Friday night, beating Liechtenstein 2-0 following goals from Amar Rahmanovic and Miroslav Stevanovic.
Ronaldo has made 202 appearances for Portugal in total..
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal during their 3-2 win over Slovakia on Friday night
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He made his debut all the way back in 2003, when he was strutting his stuff for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.