A BUNGLED attempt to alter a photo of Israel’s ambassador to Brazil apparently enjoying a lobster lunch with President Jair Bolsonaro has been ridiculed on social media, with users accusing the embassy of censoring the non-kosher shellfish.

The picture of Yossi Shelley and Bolsonaro was taken on Sunday, ahead of the Copa America football final between Brazil and Peru.

Posted on the embassy’s official Twitter account, it shows the contents of their plates inexpertly scribbled out in black. The ends of what appear to be lobster shells are visible in the photo.

“The lobster was censored!” said Twitter user Lorde Ingles of the photo that has been “liked” nearly 2,700 times and drawn about 1,000 comments.

Vudu Reverso posted a photo of the men with the offending meal cropped out, with the message: “Guys, did any of us stop to think that it was enough to crop the photo?”

Another Twitter user, Xamander, shared a digitally manipulated version of the picture, showing unidentified meat and rice decorated with a smiley face on the ambassador’s plate.

Bolsonaro’s plate features what appears to be a fruit salad in the shape of a lion’s face.

“I helped you do a better job with the Photoshopping,” said Xamander.

The Israeli embassy did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment on why the photo was doctored.

According to Jewish kosher dietary rules, fish with fins and scales are allowed to be eaten, but shellfish – just like pork – is forbidden. – AFP, July 9, 2019.