Soccer Player Arrested in Saudi Arabia for Having a Jesus Tattoo

By CP News Briefs, Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A Colombian soccer player has been detained in Saudi Arabia for allegedly walking through a shopping mall in a sleeveless top that revealed a tattoo of Jesus, according to reports.

Juan Pablo Pino, 24, who plays for a Saudi soccer club called “Al Nasr” was reportedly taken into custody last Friday by Saudi Arabia’s special moral police force called the “Police Force for the Promotion of Virtue of the Prevention of Vice.”

It is believed that shoppers in the mall had complained about his tattoos; one of which was of Jesus.

The Catholic News Agency explains that Pino was simply visiting the shopping mall with his pregnant wife.

Saudi Arabia is a strict Islamic country that obeys Shariah Law, which demands that any tattoos on individuals must be covered up at all times.

It is believed that Pino apologized for not obeying the rule, and was later released from custody.

Pino’s soccer club issued a statement explaining the player was “deeply saddened” over the incident and insisted that he did fully respect the Islamic Shariah laws in the nation.

Pino has since declared that he and his wife had been shopping for clothing that would be “more respectful” of the customs of the country.

However, since the incident Pino’s wife, who was shaken up by the incident, has asked that her family leave the country.

CNA has also highlighted how in 2010 a Romanian soccer player, Mirel Radoi, was fiercely criticized when after scoring a goal in the Saudi country he revealed a tattoo of a cross on his arm and kissed it in celebration. He faced an angry backlash from the Islamic contingent in the country.