Former Spain international and ex-Chelsea player Pedro has become the target of vitriolic online attacks following his decision to share photographs from his young son's birthday party.
The 37-year-old Lazio player posted images showing his eight-year-old child Marc dressed in feminine attire, including a tiara and dress, during celebrations at a Tenerife waterpark.
The photographs have sharply divided opinion across social media platforms.
Critics have lambasted the veteran footballer's parenting decisions, whilst supporters have commended his progressive stance towards his child's clothing preferences.
PA
|Pedro joined Chelsea in 2015 from Barcelona
The controversy erupted after Pedro shared the family photographs on his social media accounts earlier this week.
The birthday gathering took place at Siam Park, where Pedro reunited with his former spouse Carolina Martin to mark Marc's special day.
The couple, who ended their two-year marriage in 2017, maintain a co-parenting arrangement for their three sons: Bryan, Kyle and Marc.
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The contentious images depicted young Marc beaming whilst seated before a themed cake featuring characters from the animated film Lilo & Stitch.
Pedro expressed gratitude to the waterpark venue, writing: "Congratulations MARC!! Another year in the best waterpark in the world, many thanks to Siam Park for helping us to enjoy such a wonderful day."
The seemingly innocent family celebration quickly descended into controversy.
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One critic wrote: "Don't fall for the programming bro, raise your son as a man because this ain't it."
Another detractor simply asked: "Bro what is wrong with u?" whilst a third commentator observed: "Everything that was once abnormal is normal today."
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Additional hostile remarks included queries such as "Girl or boy???" and suggestions that "There's still time to save your son, don't give up on him."
The intensity of the negative response ultimately prompted Pedro to disable further comments on his posts.
However, numerous supporters rallied behind the World Cup winner's approach to fatherhood.
One admirer declared: "You are an EXEMPLARY father, especially to the footballing world around you; all of them should learn from you and your family."
Another supporter praised: "We all knew that you were a champion on the field, now we also know that you are a great person and a wonderful dad."
Pedro enjoyed an illustrious career spanning Barcelona, Chelsea and the Spanish national team.
The winger secured 25 trophies throughout his career, including the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain, plus a Premier League title during his five-year stint at Stamford Bridge.