Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in Saturday's win over Newcastle. Press Association

Banner flown over Old Trafford in support of woman who accused Man U's Cristiano Ronaldo of rape

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Sep 11, 2021 4:10 PM ET

Gender justice group Level Up flew a plane over Old Trafford on Saturday with a banner in support of the woman who accused Cristiano Ronaldo, who was making his second Manchester United debut, of rape in 2009.

The banner with the words "Believe Kathryn Mayorga" trailed from the plane during Manchester United's match against Newcastle, a 4-1 victory for the Red Devils.

☄️ We flew a plane over the Man United football ground and our message is simple: Believe Kathryn Mayorga.

Let’s say NO to the culture of silence around abuse from the football community. Pledge your solidarity with Kathryn & survivors: https://t.co/YZgcxou75E pic.twitter.com/jvGVOBYTIP
— Level Up (@we_level_up) September 11, 2021

Mayorga said she had been raped in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009 but, at the time, wouldn't reveal the name of her alleged attacker. In 2010, she accepted money from Ronaldo and his lawyers in a non-disclosure agreement.

Mayorga came forward publicly in 2018, and United States authorities then said in 2019 they would not proceed with prosecution against Ronaldo because the allegations against him couldn't be proven "beyond a reasonable doubt."

Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United from Juventus earlier this summer, just before the transfer window closed. He scored two goals in Saturday's win over Newcastle.

The Portuguese superstar later posted about his return to Old Trafford, stating on Instagram that he was "proud to be back at Man. United and playing in the Premier League once again."

Ronaldo previously played for the Red Devils from 2003-09, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown with the club before departing for Real Madrid.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on X @ewalsh90.

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