Clothing company Boohoo have been slammed by social media users for a tweet about Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United that has been widely considered as misogynistic.
The online fashion retailer tweeted yesterday (November 23) saying: "Cristiano Ronald [sic] is leaving Manchester United by mutual decision, with immediate effect!" but then followed up later on saying: "No need to watch the footy now girlies xxxx".
Many considered the tweet to be both heteronormative - the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality - and sexist in the implication that girls might only watch football because they 'fancy the players', according to some of the replies.
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They had scored another 'own goal' in their first tweet by spelling Ronaldo's surname as 'Ronald', prompting a wry response filled with Ronald McDonald GIFs and doctored Manchester United shirts with 'Ronald' and Ronaldo's eponymous number seven on the back.
Many girls took to Twitter to express their disgust at the 'weird' tweet, with most questioning who and what was the motive behind its posting. One user, @Hanzone, said: "Some of us watch football because we actually enjoy the game, not all women watch football because they fancy the players! This tweet stinks."
@LauraHartley03 put it rather succinctly, and said: "Boohoo did a Booboo."
However, it seems the clothing company took the general advice to remove its blatant faux-pas on board, as the tweet has since been deleted.
It is not the first time the clothing retailer have attracted controversy. Since their conception in Manchester in 2006, they have become one of the UK's biggest names in fast fashion, but were rated by goodonyou.eco as 'not good enough' on their labour conditions.
According to the site: "Little of Boohoo’s supply chain is certified by labour standards which ensure worker health and safety or other labour rights, and there is no evidence the brand pays a living wage or implements practices to encourage diversity and inclusion."
They go on to say there is little evidence that the brand has "taken meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals", or use fewer low-impact materials.
Boohoo have been contacted for comment.
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