Jamie Carragher sent his warmest wishes to Kate Abdo on her wedding day – just months after making a distasteful joke about her relationship with Malik Scott.
Abdo is a Manchester United fan and during CBS Sports’ coverage of the Arsenal and Porto Champions League match in March, she claimed she was “too loyal” to wear a Gunners shirt after some teasing from her co-hosts. This comment prompted Carragher to say “not to Malik”, which resulted in awkward laughter – namely from the ex-Liverpool defender himself – as Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Abdo watched on.
As backlash ensued against Carragher on social media, Abdo’s then-fiance Scott – who is an ex-boxer – responded to the clumsy joke, noting that he would “show up in a physical manner” if the pundit ever took it too far again.
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Carragher later said sorry to the couple, with Abdo addressing the incident in a live-on-air statement. When speaking about the 46-year-old, Abdo said: “There is the middle child, Jamie Carragher. A chip on his shoulder, capable of saying anything for attention, does he go too far sometimes? Absolutely. Does he apologise? Yes he does, but all of us have that one annoying family member that we still love and accept.”
After their wedding last week, Scott has revealed that while Carragher wasn’t at the occasion, he sent his congratulations to the couple.
Speaking to Genting Casino, the 43-year-old said: “I don’t know [if Jamie would have been invited to the wedding]. I don’t know how to answer that because having a bigger wedding was never a possibility. That’s something that wouldn’t have happened. Thierry, Micah, Jamie – they all sent their wishes.”
Regarding his relationship with Carragher, Scott clarified that they had never had a serious falling out over the joke and had always been on good terms. He said: “There’s nothing wrong with my relationship with Jamie. It was never broken. Jamie has a good understanding of how people are, especially in this social media era. We sat down, broke bread, and had good conversations. I’ve never had a problem with him.”
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Scott also praised the trio of CBS Sports experts, mentioning that he catches up with Richards now and then and has lauded Henry for his achievements with the France Olympics football squad.
He continued: “I actually just got off FaceTime with Thierry. I was really proud of the job he did with the team in the Olympics. What he was up against-no matter how big of a star you are in your craft-transitioning to coaching comes with a lot of pressure.
“He took a team missing 7 to 9 of their key players and had just a month to work with them, and they went out fighting, all the way to the finals. His heart, desire, and passion to win-it’s all there. He connects with the players, not just because of who he is but because of the wisdom he shares. It’s very impressive.
“He has a lot to be proud of, stepping into a completely different realm. Coaching isn’t like playing or fighting. You have to translate your vision and teach people to capitalise on their opponents’ mistakes.
“Most people don’t realise what a job that is, but I’m proud of him. I’ve connected with all of them. Micah just messaged me yesterday to congratulate me and send his love. We check in with each other from time to time.
“They’re a good group of people. I may not know the full ins and outs of their status, but what impresses me most is the kind of men they are. The respect they carry, the pride they walk into a room with.”