Yahoo News Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Juventus in his first game since rape allegation
Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Juventus in his first game back since denying an accusation of rape.
Ronaldo, 33, was included in Juventus' starting line-up for Saturday's Serie A match at Udinese following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in the United States in 2009 - an accusation which he strenuously denies.
With Ronaldo back in the team after missing Juventus' Champions League win over Young Boys due to suspension, the Italian giants went 1-0 up through a Rodrigo Bentancur goal in the 33rd minute. Four minutes later, Ronaldo added a second with a fierce drive.
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Juventus saw nearly £80million wiped off the value of their shares after the rape allegation against Ronaldo.
At the close of trading on the Milan Stock Exchange on Thursday, the price for a single Juventus share was €1.32 (£1.16), which had slumped to €1.24 (£1.09) on Friday. That amounted to a drop of about €87m (£76.7m).
Juventus were criticised heavily on Thursday over the statement they made regarding the allegations, which read: “Cristiano Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus.
“The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion.”
US sportswear firm Nike, which sponsors Ronaldo in a deal worth £768million, has said it is “deeply concerned” after Las Vegas police said they would be reopening the case. Another sponsor, EA Sports, has also expressed concerns over the case. TAG Heuer did not comment when contacted by Standard Sport today but it and other companies who back Ronaldo are under increased scrutiny.
Ronaldo said: “Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in”.
