Animal welfare groups have mauled footballer Scott McTominay for playing tug-of-war with a tiger.
The Manchester United midfielder was filmed at an animal park while on holiday in Dubai with his girlfriend Cam Reading. But after showing off his footage on Instagram, animal charities and football fans lined up to express their disappointment.
The Scotland international, 26, posed with a tiger cub, a snake and an iguana during a trip to Fame Park – a private zoo. Cam was pictured petting the tiger, feeding a bear and posing with a python draped around her neck.
Sonul Badiani-Hammett, of charity Four Paws, said: “It is so upsetting to see someone who so many people look up to acting in this way.”
Katheryn Wise of World Animal Protection added: “It’s disappointing. These incredible animals are not commodities to gain likes on social media.
“Captive wild animals face a lifetime of suffering, just for the enjoyment of tourists. Wild animals are not ours to exploit. They belong in the wild.”
And Humane Society International’s Wendy Higgins said: “Facilities excuse their ‘human versus beast experiences’, like tug-of-war, as helpful for welfare by mimicking natural behaviours. But that merely acknowledges that captive life limits the lives of these animals such that they are forced to participate in demeaning spectacles.
“Big cat cub petting is never OK from an animal welfare or human safety perspective, and facilities that offer interactions fall far short of ethical standards.”
Fans of McTominay vented, too, with one posting: “Why is he playing tug of war with a tiger? Disgusting.” Another wrote: “Scott, I love you but this is wrong. Taking selfies with captive wild animals contributes to their suffering.”
Fame Park describes itself as a “private farm” and is owned by entrepreneur Saif Ahmad Belhasa. It is aimed at celebs and sports stars.
Mr Belhasa created the desert complex for his horses in 2001 but turned it into a zoo after being given a lion cub. It is now home to around 500 animals and visitors include footballer Lionel Messi, boxer Anthony Joshua and model Blac Chyna.
Manchester United refused to give an official comment but a club source said: “It’s clear from the pictures Scott was behaving in an entirely respectful and playful way with the animals, under the guidance of trained keepers.
“Some people may have an issue with zoos in general but it’s obvious there was nothing intentionally cruel in his behaviour – and it’s wrong and unfair to suggest there was.”
McTominay was approached for comment.
