Cristiano Ronaldo faces backlash after calling PCR tests "bullshit"

Cristiano Ronaldo has vented his frustration over missing the Champions League match between Juventus and Barcelona at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday but could face a backlash from Italy’s social and political sphere after describing PCR tests as “bullshit.” Ronaldo tested positive for coronavirus while on international duty with Portugal and has already been in the eye of the storm for allegedly breaching covid-19 protocols for returning to Italy.

Ronaldo under investigation for breaching covid rules

Further tests undertaken by the Juventus forward have come back positive, ruling him out of the game and a reunion with former sparring partner Leo Messi, a source of obvious disappointment for the all-time Champions League top scorer. However, Ronaldo’s outburst is likely to have repercussions in a country that has been hit hard by the global covid-19 pandemic. Italy’s minister for sport, Vincenzo Spadafora, has been a vocal critic of Ronaldo’s actions after his initial positive test although the player denies any wrongdoing.

Ronaldo returned to Turin in a medically adapted aeroplane after testing positive before a game against France and has been in quarantine since. Juventus and the player had hoped that Tuesday’s test would give Ronaldo the green light to play against Barcelona but he will now be forced to watch from a distance.