Pacquiao urges fans to stop anti-Nike protests

Manny Pacquiao listens during a news conference to promote an upcoming boxing match Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, in New York. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Timothy Bradley on April 9, 2016, in Las Vegas. AP

Manny Pacquiao has urged his fans to stop their protests against Nike after a video that has gone viral shows a group in Cebu burning a pile of the apparel giant’s shoes.

The Filipino boxing star drew flak for his comments against same sex marriage in a recent TV interview where he described gay couples as “worse than animals.”

Nike cut its ties with Pacquiao following the eight-division champion’s controversial statements.

“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 as posted on BoxingScene.com.

Pacquiao, who is running for a Senate seat in the May elections, has since apologized for his remarks but continues to face backlash from athletes and local and Hollywood celebrities.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao plans to retire after facing Timothy Bradley for the third time on April 9 in Las Vegas.