Jamie Carragher has hit back at Rio Ferdinand after the Manchester United legend called his comments about Mohamed Salah and the Africa Cup of Nations ‘ignorant’
Jamie Carragher branded Rio Ferdinand ‘a clown’ following the former Manchester United defender’s criticism of the pundit’s comments about the Africa Cup of Nations.
The ex-United defender suggested Carragher had made an ignorant remark by claiming that success in AFCON would not help Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. Salah is enjoying an incredible season at Liverpool under Arne Slot, notching 42 goal contributions so far.
Salah’s form and Liverpool still being in the hunt to win three trophies this season, has seen calls for the Egypitan to be named the world’s best player. However, Carragher stated that AFCON was not a major tournament, which he believed wouldn’t improve Salah’s chances of recognition.
Ferdinand acknowledged that many might agree with Carragher’s comments, saying: “I think that comment is representative of the majority of people out there. I don’t think that’s right,
“I think that’s an ignorant thought process because if you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o and down to the players now like Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane now, they will tell you: “We have to win this!
“It’s a demand in their countries to win this. Yes, it doesn’t get backed resources-wise like a Euros etc, but that doesn’t mean that you have to devalue it. It’s continent of huge power and a continent that contributes to European football through players immensely, massively.”
Carragher fired back on social media at Ferdinand, replying: “I didn’t say that you clown, stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”
The Anfield legend was pulled up on Sky Sports by Micah Richards following his comments: “I’ll just say, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home will say they’re taking that seriously. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know,” Richards said.
To which Carragher retorted: “Egypt are not going to win the World Cup are they? Richards responded: “No, but AFCON is big. Remember when him and [Sadio] Mane was going for it. ” Carragher then seemed to mutter under his breath, “Oh my god” as Richards said: “I’m just saying.”
Following the uproar, Carragher tried to clarify his comments on X. “The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d’Or. If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON and was MVP I don’t think he would win the Ballon d’Or,” he posted.
“Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity.
“It’s not just about certain tournaments, [Andriy] Shevchenko ( Ukraine ) and [Robert] Lewandowski (Poland) were never going to win the WC/Euros to help their case for the prize. I don’t think it’s controversial at all really it’s just a fact.
“I know Mane came 2nd a few years back after winning the tournament but that alone wouldn’t have got him to that position, it was LFC being two games away from a quadruple that played a big role also.
“It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them. Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make.
“The face I pulled when Micah interjected was nothing to do with the merits of the tournament, I just knew as soon as he did what the reaction was going to be! I get a lot people didn’t like what I said and that’s fine.
“I don’t normally respond to things on here with posts like this but I decided to tweet in the end after seeing so many phoneys jumping on the bandwagon and playing to the gallery when they knew what I meant. Good luck MO you little dancer.”