Tim McNulty
A MATADOR has been described as ‘malicious and perverse’ after he was spotted wiping away a bull’s ‘tears’ moments before slaying the bloodied animal.
Morante de la Puebla wiped blood from the dying bull’s face with his handkerchief in a gesture condemned by animal rights groups.
The 39-year-old had been taking part in a bullfighting festival at the Real Maestranza bullring, Seville when the incident took place.
“Only a malicious and perverse mind could torture an animal until the blood pours down its legs and then wipe its face with a tissue.
“The matador is just disguising for his lack of empathy. Abolish bullfighting now!,” said Silvia Nogales, leader of Spain’s animal rights party PACMA.
Bullfighting fans have come to the defence of de la Puebla and have said the gesture showed respect to the animal.
Footage of the moment has been shared on widely on social media and views more than 2 million times.
Commenters on social media have reported feeling ‘sick’ at watching the incident, while others labelled de la Puebla ‘sadistic’.
