By Edward Chaykovsky
Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao is asking his fans to calm down, as anti-Nike protests have increased in the Philippines.
Loyal Pacquiao fans have been gathering in groups and burning large bundles of Nike shoes.
The fans are protesting Nike's decision to drop their sponsorship deal with Pacquiao. The clothing giant was quick to distance themselves after the boxer made some very controversial comments about same-sex marriages and said homosexuals were worse than animals. The LGBT community has come out in full force with their criticism of the fighter's statements.
In one video that went viral, a Pacquiao fan poured gasoline from a plastic bottle and set Nike shoes on fire on the parking lot of Cebu Coliseum along Sanciangko Street, Cebu City.
The fan on the video said - “We love all the gays, all the lesbians but we don’t like their agenda .Burning these shoes is just one way to show that we Christians can also be loud. We will not keep quiet while they are laughing at us and being controlled by a few.”
Pacquiao has asked his fans to put down the torches and pick up the bibles.
"Many have burned Nike [shoes]. As I've said, 'you should not hold grudges. Instead, pray for them.' Do not hold anger in your heart. Instead, as a Christian you should love them," Pacquiao said.