Ex-Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has been accused of 'shoving Saudi government propaganda down his fans' throats' after promoting the country's new futuristic city Neom in a glowing post on social media.
Neom, stylised as 'The Line', is one of nine linear cities being built in Saudi Arabia and is designed to have no cars, streets or carbon emissions as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 Project.
Smalling, who left Roma to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Fayha this month, took to social media on Monday morning to promote the project to his 1.7million followers on X.
'The Line. A cognitive city stretching across 170 kilometers, from the mountains of NEOM across desert valleys to the Red Sea,' the defender began.
'A mirrored architectural masterpiece towering 500 meters above sea level, but a land-saving 200 meters wide.
Ex-Man United defender Chris Smalling promoted Saudi Arabia's project 'The Line' on Monday
Smalling made the switch from Roma (above) to Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha in September
Some have accused Smalling of 'shoving Saudi government propaganda down fans' throats'
'Unique solar and wind advantages for 100% clean energy. Protection, preservation and regeneration sit at the core of NEOM's model. #SaudiNationalDay94 #WeDreamAndAchieve'.
Smalling's post was also accompanied with a graphic of the footballer and a QR code directing fans to the Neom website.
A group of fans on social media criticised Smalling and accused him of 'selling his soul for extra cash'.
One fan said: 'Playing in Saudi is fine by my books but shoving the government's propaganda down your followers' throats (all of which you gained at other clubs) is where I lose a lot of respect. Not saying this isn't a great project but I am saying it's not necessary for it to be posted to his followers.'
A second added: 'Yeah, sorry man, thanks for what you did at Roma, but I’ll unfollow now…'
Another fan simply said: 'Embarrassing'.
A fourth posted: 'Not getting paid enough, lad?'
Neom, stylised as 'The Line' (above), is one of nine linear cities being built in Saudi Arabia
The Line is seen in a concept video released by Saudi Arabia, showing the two vast structures stretching off into the distance. It is designed to have no cars, streets or carbon emissions
'Embarrassing' and 'sold your soul' were other remarks made by fans in response on X
'Did you really need that extra cash to sell your soul?' another follower added.
Some fans, however, disagreed with the backlash.
'Chris visited the area and liked it,' a fan urged. 'He says what he really saw, so why are you so obsessed with criticising the success we are experiencing?'