Sky Sports pundit and former England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has been slammed for his “disrespectful remarks” after he downplayed the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher had suggested that Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were hindered because he could not claim a “major tournament” victory at the international level, specifically referencing Salah’s lack of success in global competitions equivalent to the European Championship or Copa America.
Carragher’s comments came after Salah’s impressive performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester City, which extended their lead over Arsenal in the English Premier League.
While Carragher noted that Ballon d’Or winners often have major tournament success, he was swiftly called out by fellow pundits Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards during the broadcast. Richards strongly defended AFCON, calling it a significant tournament, to which Carragher responded dismissively, questioning Egypt’s chances of winning the World Cup.
Elmohamady slams Carragher
The controversy has continued to stir debate on social media, with former Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady also weighing in, slamming Carragher for his comments and reiterating that AFCON is a prestigious tournament.
“Jamie Carragher doesn’t know what Major Tournaments is because he never won one. AFCON is A Major Tournament. So proud to win it twice,” Elmohamady, a two-time AFCON winner, slammed the English.
Arongantly, Carragher has posted on his social media to defend his statement. “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 Balon D’or. If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don’t think he would win the Balon d’or.”
As the next edition of AFCON approaches later this year, with Morocco as the host, Egypt, led by Salah, alongside rising star Omar Marmoush, who recently joined Manchester City remains one of the favorites.
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