Sportswear company Head have been widely-criticised on social media after they congratulated Maria Sharapova following her doping ban reduction.
Sharapova tested positive for the heart-boosting drug meldonium in January at the Australian Open and was given a two-year ban by the International Tennis Federation in June.
But CAS, sport's highest court, announced on Tuesday it has reduced that by nine months, meaning the five-time grand slam winner will be eligible to play again on April 26, 2017, four weeks before the French Open.
Head vowed to stand by Sharapova from the outset and claimed in June that ITF's initial two-year ban was based upon a 'flawed decision'.
And the racquet manufacturer was today accused of taking a 'bizarre' stance following news that Sharapova's ban had been reduced to 15 months.
The brand's official account tweeted: "HEAD wish to congratulate Maria Sharapova on the CAS ruling, and we welcome her return to competitive tennis in April 2017.
"We are proud to have stood b y Maria for the right reasons throughout these difficult times."
