Rio Ferdinand branded a ‘clown’ by Jamie Carragher after wading into AFCON debate

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has lashe out at Rio Ferdinand after the former Manchester United defender wade into the debate over a controversial comment he made about the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mohamed Salah further strengthen his case เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา for this year’s Ballon d’Or award with another magnificent performance as Liverpool strolle past Manchester City in a 2-0 victory at the Etihad on Sunday.

The result sent the Premier League leaders 11 points clear of Arsenal, who suffere a shock defeat at home to West Ham earlier in the weekend.

Salah was involve in both of Liverpool’s goals against the champions, opening the scoring in the 14th minute before setting up Dominik Szoboszlai to double the visitors’ lead before half-time.

It means Salah has registere a total of 42 goal contributions in the Premier League alone this term and panel of pundits fell over themselves to praise the Egypt forward after the final whistle.

But a remark Carragher made relating to AFCON did not sit right with Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge, with the ex-Liverpool centre-back citing the attacker’s absence from ‘major international tournaments’ as a possible reason he had overlooke for individual prizes.

‘I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning [the Ballon d’Or],’ Carragher said.

‘I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament… normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappe right now, Real Madrid look really good going for the Champions League. Liverpool will be in that conversation too.

‘Right now he [Salah] is certainly the front runner.

‘If he gets more trophies and titles, that could put him above Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard in terms of where he ranks in Liverpool legends because right now he’s right on their shoulders.’

Ex-Manchester City and England star Richards immediately pulle Carragher up on the comment, replying: ‘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.’

But Carragher chime in again, arguing: ‘Egypt are not going to win the World Cup are they?’, to which Richards replie: ‘No, but AFCON is big. Remember when him and [Sadio] Mane was going for it.’ 

This prompte Carragher to mutter under his breath, ‘Oh my god’, with Richards responding: ‘I’m just saying.’

The heate debate drew a strong reaction among football fans on social media, with some hitting out at Carragher for his ‘flippant’ and ‘incredibly disappointing’ remarks.