Ruud van Nistelrooy has deleted an old photograph of him doing 'blackface' after being installed as Erik ten Hag's interim successor at Manchester United.
The image from 2013 showed the former United striker wearing black make-up and dressed as the biblical wise man who brought baby Jesus myrhh, an honour ascribed to King Balthazar.
Thousands of users on X reshared the old post of Van Nistelrooy dressed in elaborate garments in the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella, Spain, before he deleted it.
The practice of 'blackface', which dates back to the 19th century, is seen by many as racist. It' is an annual source of controversy in his native Netherlands where white actors still paint and dress up as 'Zwarte Piet' - Black Peter - at Christmas festivals, though some see it as an innocent tradition.
Van Nistelrooy's actions will be heavily scrutinised as he becomes United's interim manager after theysacked Ten Hag on Monday morning.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has deleted an old post showing him wearing 'blackface' at a festival in Spain in 2013
The new Man United interim boss was dressed up as the wise man who brought baby Jesus myrhh at the Parade of the Three Kings in Marbella, Spain
Van Nistelrooy is stepping in after Erik ten Hag was sacked by Man United on Monday morning
The 48-year-old was brought in over the summer as a new assistant and led PSV to the Dutch Cup in 2022-23, his only season of senior management.
His 'blackface' stunt in 2013 came at a charity function and with two other 'kings' he visited a hospital, giving children sweets and gifts to staff.
Wearing black face make-up, a jewelled head dress and a robe with a leopard print trim, Van Nistelrooy prompted a strong backlash at the time.
In Spain Three Kings’ Day is an annual post-festive celebration, held every January. In celebration of the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus, people mark the end of the Christmas season with processions and presents.
Dressing up as the 'kings' is popular and this regularly involves ‘blacking up’.
The Netherlands occasionally has a controversy to deal with regarding 'blackface' in football.
Ruud Gullit and Nathan Ake defended three fans over the summer who attended the Euros wearing black make-up and hair in the style of the former.
They had painted their faces black, wore dreadlocks similar to his iconic hairstyle, and also sported moustaches in an effort to imitate him.
The Parade of the Three Kings is an annual tradition. Van Nistelrooy handed out sweets to children in a hospital and gave gifts to staff
Gullit didn't seem to mind at all as he claimed 'I actually feel honoured' according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
He is a Dutch legend and won the 1988 European Championship with the nation. The three fans wore replica kits from that team as part of their outfit.