Kaio César announcement sparks row as Corinthians delete post featuring Saudi flag | OneFootball

Corinthians deleted a social media post unveiling Kaio César after it sparked criticism over imagery involving Al-Hilal and the Saudi flag.

According to Meu Timao, the clip showed a tray on an airport X-ray belt. First came an Al-Hilal shirt and the Saudi flag, then they morphed into a Corinthians shirt and Brazil’s flag.

A shoe sat on top of the Saudi symbols, which many Saudis and Muslims viewed as disrespectful. The shoe later appeared over the Corinthians shirt and Brazil’s flag as well.

Saudi Arabia’s flag features the Shahada and a white sword, and carries religious significance in Islam. Depicting footwear on it is considered offensive, and shoes are viewed as unclean in places of worship, where worshippers wash and remove them.

One supporter on X said the post was inappropriate and disrespectful because the flag bears the name of God, urging the club to take note.

A similar issue saw Brazilian journalists Priscila Senhorães and Arthur Quezada of TNT Sports detained at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Police intervened after a complaint, and they were told to cover the Saudi flag on a ball used in filming.

Kaio César, 21, has joined Corinthians on loan from Al-Hilal until 31 December this year. He aims to win Dorival Júnior’s trust for a permanent deal, with any fee undisclosed.

Source: Meu Timao