Sportsbet.com.au are flying a one-tonne hot air balloon replica over Melbourne of Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue to promote the biggest sporting event of the year.
‘The 46-metre high hot air balloon has a 41m wingspan and is believed to be one of the biggest ever seen in Melbourne. It’s cloaked in a gold and green jersey with the hashtag ‘Keep The Faith’ printed on it’ – reports the Sydney Morning News.
Fuelling further media coverage Rev Costello, the chair of the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce, said the stunt was ‘an overreach’ and ‘against the principles Jesus stood for’.
The statue is proving to be something of a magnet for brands cashing in on World Cup fever.
Last week travel blogger Lee Thompson, from travel company The Flash Pack, got permission to take the first selfie atop Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
