Ferdinand reignites feud with Carragher after Salah’s return
Rio Ferdinand has reignited his ongoing dispute with Jamie Carragher following Mohamed Salah’s return to the Liverpool squad against Brighton on Saturday, reports BritPanorama.
The former Manchester United defender took to social media shortly after Anfield supporters serenaded the Egyptian forward with chants of his name during the 2-0 victory. Ferdinand’s post, “Thoughts @Carra23? ‘Mo Salah’ being sung by the Kop,” was a direct reference to Carragher’s recent criticism of the winger.
Carragher had previously labelled Salah’s explosive interview following Liverpool’s draw at Leeds as a “disgrace” during an eight-minute segment on Monday Night Football, questioning the forward’s decision to publicly criticise manager Arne Slot.
The Liverpool legend swiftly responded by turning the spotlight on Ferdinand’s recent role as host of Fifa’s World Cup draw in Washington. “And rightly so, he was fantastic when he came on,” Carragher acknowledged, before launching his counterattack, “Thoughts on the price of the World Cup tickets @rioferdy5. A man of the people would surely call Fifa and Infantino out. Or was your pay packet for the draw (acting) to buy your silence?”
Ferdinand replied with two fishing rod emojis, suggesting he had successfully baited his fellow pundit into responding. Carragher refused to let the matter rest, adding, “The old classic. Then tweet about Arsenal & tag Piers Morgan to fill your notifications up.”
Ferdinand’s “man of the people” declaration came when BBC journalist Dan Roan questioned him about ticket affordability at the draw ceremony earlier this month. The former player’s response drew widespread mockery from supporters, particularly given his family’s relocation to the tax haven of Dubai this summer. England fans face paying more than £5,000 on tickets alone to follow the national team should they reach next summer’s World Cup final, excluding flights and accommodation costs.
The Football Association has confirmed it will raise supporter concerns with Fifa over the pricing structure, while the Football Supporters’ Association branded the costs “laughable”. Salah made his return to action as a 26th-minute substitute for the injured Joe Gomez, having been omitted from Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan in midweek.
The 32-year-old quickly made an impact, providing the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal as the Reds secured a comfortable win that lifted them to sixth place. Manager Arne Slot played down any lingering tension following their discussions, stating, “It was an easy decision to put him in the squad. I have said many times before what has been said between us will stay between us. We needed him.”
Salah now departs for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. His return is not just significant for Liverpool but also serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding player and pundit dynamics in today’s football landscape, where opinions can spark unexpected rivalries and conversations.
