Giant Jesus: offensive or a good gag?

Forget the second coming, betting agency Sportsbet may have kicked an own goal after setting up an inflatable Jesus - imitating Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer - to promote World Cup gambling.

The 46m-high inflatable Christ, complete with a Socceroos jersey carrying the words '#Keep the Faith' along with the Sportsbet logo, was unveiled in Melbourne.

But while Sportsbet says the replica of Rio’s world famous landmark will provide a vital dose of divine intervention for the Socceroos World Cup campaign, the stunt has attracted criticism for its association between religion and gambling.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said the balloon promotion was disrespectful.

“They ought to sink it,” he said. “It should leave the skies.”