Cristiano Ronaldo, Serie A stars to wear face paint during games for a cause this weekend

What's the story?

Serie A stars, as well as referees, will don face paint during games this weekend in a bid to create awareness on violence against women.

In case you didn't know...

A campaign like this is not new to the Serie A as the league took part in a similar initiative earlier this year, where players took to the pitch with a red stripe painted onto their cheek to raise awareness of violence against women.

Serie A's biggest stars took part in the campaign and promoted it on social media by using the hashtag: "#unrossoallaviolenza" (a red card against violence).

The heart of the matter

Serie A stars will once again don the red paint on their faces in games this weekend in support of a United Nations-backed campaign to tackle violence against women.

The initiative was taken in collaboration with WeWorld Onlus, an organisation that has been defending women's rights across the world for twenty years.

The red marks will symbolise the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, who just moved to the Serie A, will surely be under the scanner as this will be his first time participating in the campaign, especially amid the rape allegations against him.

WeWorld Onlus president Marco Chiesara said (via The Mirror), "This campaign along with Serie A helps us to make our voice stronger in opposition to violence against women because awareness and prevention are the main tools we have to fight against this phenomenon."

Each stadium will have video scoreboards on which details and banners will be displayed. Social media will once again join in by using the hashtag the same hashtag #unrossoallaviolenza.

Former Italy goalkeeper Francesco Toldo has also backed the campaign and said: "Violence is a cultural problem. In order to solve this problem, our sons need to be taught the right values and that they need to show respect."

"Youth academies can contribute to shaping athletes and men, but what they learn from their families should underpin everything."

What's next?

Serie A action returns this weekend after what felt like a long international break. League toppers Juventus are set to face SPAL in a Serie A game on Saturday.