Man Utd star Scott McTominay slammed by animal charities for playing tug-of-war with tiger at private zoo in Dubai

SCOTT MCTOMINAY has been blasted by animal welfare groups for playing tug-of-war with a tiger at an exotic zoo.

The Manchester United midfielder, 26, took advantage of his time off before the return of Premier League action by heading to Dubai.

Instead of just sunning himself and lounging around in the searing heat, he and his girlfriend Cam Reading decided to take a walk on the wild side.

He and the beautiful blonde paid a visit to the private Famepark to get up close and personal with a number of exotic animals.

McTominay shared a number of snaps from his and Reading’s big day out, showing the smiling couple holding giant snakes, meeting a bear and even stroking a TIGER before playing tug-of-war with one.

But after posting footage and photos from the trip, both ­animal charities and football fans lined up to express their anger and disappointment at the Scotland international.

Katheryn Wise of World Animal Protection said: “It’s disappointing. These incredible animals are not commodities to gain likes on social media.

“Captive wild animals face a lifetime of suffering, just for the enjoyment of tourists. Wild animals are not ours to exploit. They belong in the wild.”;

Sonul Badiani-Hammett, of charity Four Paws, said: “It is so upsetting to see someone who so many ­people look up to acting in this way.”;

Humane Society International’s Wendy Higgins added: “Facilities excuse their ‘human versus beast experiences’, like tug-of-war, as helpful for welfare by mimicking natural behaviours.

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“But that merely acknowledges that ­captive life limits the lives of these ­animals such that they are forced to participate in demeaning spectacles.

“Big cat cub petting is never OK from an animal welfare or human safety perspective, and facilities that offer ­interactions fall far short of ethical standards.”;

Fans also went in two-footed on McTominay, with one commenting: “Scott, I love you but this is wrong.

“Taking selfies with captive wild animals contributes to their suffering.”;

While another posted: “Why is he playing tug of war with a tiger? Disgusting.”;

Fame Park ­describes itself as a ‘private farm’ and is aimed at celebs and sport stars.

It’s owned by entrepreneur Saif Ahmad Belhasa and has had visits from Lionel Messi and Anthony Joshua in the past.