World Cup 2018: Robbie Williams shows middle finger at opening ceremony performance

It turns out that Robbie Williams has sparked outrage after appearing to give the finger to the camera during a performance at the World Cup opening ceremony.

Football fans took to Twitter after noticing him stick his middle finger up when leaving the pitch following his performance.

Twitter users were left stunned by Williams' antics with some blasting him for a 'lack of morals' and calling him 'desperate for attention'.

Williams performed three songs as part of the ceremony - with his controversial single 'Party Like a Russian' not included on the set-list.

However, the artist did not manage to entirely steer clear of controversy, thanks to his middle-finger gesture to the cameras, as he left the pitch.

Twitter was soon abuzz, with one writing, “What a joke! Watching with my kids and that happened? Wow.”

Another added, “Robbie Williams is such a melt showing his middle finger!”

“Worst opening performance ever at a FIFA World Cup goes to Robbie Williams #WorldCup,” another commented.

Williams - described by FIFA as a 'global music icon' - performed at certain points.