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Cristiano Ronaldo's club Juventus has faced anger for issuing a controversial statement of support for its player following an allegation of rape made against him.

The Portuguese footballer's Italian team addressed the claim in a series of tweets on Wednesday, calling Ronaldo a "great champion".

The Portugal forward has this week firmly denied the allegations made by a woman in the United States, who claims he raped her in the penthouse suite of a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.

But Juventus' tweets sparked strong criticism online with Gary Lineker among those to hit out at the club.

The club wrote: "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."

Lineker shared the posts, writing: "Whatever the legal outcome, this is awful from Juventus."

One critic named Eisha Action accused the club of "irresponsibly glazing over the situation in the most insensitive way possible."

While Zack Goldman tweeted: "This is very bad and you should delete it, apologise, apologise another time and try again."

Football writer Daniel Storey said: "Don't think it's helpful to offer opinions on serious allegations - particularly on social media - but that Juventus statement in abhorrent."

The posts came ahead of Ronaldo's possible return to action for Juventus on Saturday.

The 33-year-old was on Thursday left out of Portugal's squad for their forthcoming matches against Poland and Scotland, although he has been given the support of both his country team and Juventus.

But Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has said Ronaldo is ready to return to his squad for Saturday's match away at Udinese, having sat out in the Champions League in midweek through suspension.

"Cristiano's doing well. I've known him for three months, but I can say that in his 15 years of his career he has shown great professionalism and seriousness both on and off the field," Allegri said Friday.

"In regard to tomorrow, he is ready to return to action."

Kathryn Mayorga filed a lawsuit last week in Nevada saying she was raped by Ronaldo in Las Vegas in 2009. Police have also re-opened an investigation.

"It's a delicate moment but he has large shoulders," said Allegri, who did not definitively say Ronaldo would start on Saturday. "I see him calm in training. Ronaldo's professionalism on and off the field is indisputable."

Ronaldo's sponsors Nike and video game maker EA Sports have both expressed concern about his alleged conduct.

The football superstar has described the allegations as "fake news" and later issued a statement saying his "conscience was clear" and that he would await the outcome of any investigations with "tranquility."