Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has responded sharply to Rio Ferdinand after the former Manchester United defender made light of Carragher’s remarks regarding Mohamed Salah. The exchange unfolded following Liverpool’s recent match against Brighton, where Salah was notably reinstated to the squad after a controversial period on the bench.
Last weekend, Salah expressed discontent with Liverpool’s management for allegedly making him a scapegoat during a rough patch for the team. He had been sidelined for three consecutive matches, a decision reportedly made by manager Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy. Following discussions with Slot, Salah returned to the pitch for the match against Brighton on December 9, 2025, coming off the bench to provide an assist after replacing an injured Joe Gomez.
Carragher’s Strong Critique of Salah
On Sky Sports, Carragher did not hold back in his criticism of Salah’s comments, describing them as a “disgrace.” He stated, “The one line that stands out for me is ‘thrown under the bus.’ He’s thrown the club under the bus twice in the last 12 months.” Carragher emphasized the importance of Salah supporting the team during a challenging period, highlighting that Liverpool is experiencing its worst run since the 1950s.
“When we are talking about throwing people under the bus, he’s thrown every Liverpool right-back under the bus for eight years,” Carragher added. He acknowledged Salah’s contributions to the club but reminded the player of his responsibilities to his teammates, stating, “You weren’t a big star before you came to Liverpool… you need help from your teammates, your manager, and fans.”
Ferdinand’s Response and Social Media Banter
In a twist, Ferdinand took to social media to poke fun at Carragher following Liverpool’s victory. He shared a video of Salah being cheered by the Kop at Anfield and asked Carragher for his thoughts. Carragher swiftly responded, questioning Ferdinand’s claim of being a “man of the people” while having participated in FIFA’s recent lavish World Cup draw.
“A man of the people would surely call @FIFAcom & Infantino out,” Carragher tweeted, referencing the high prices of World Cup tickets. “Or was your pay packet for the draw to buy your silence?”
Ferdinand’s retort was minimal, featuring two fishing emojis, which Carragher further mocked, emphasizing Ferdinand’s tendency to engage in online banter. “The old classic. Then tweet about Arsenal & tag Piers Morgan to fill your notifications up,” Carragher replied.
This exchange between the two former players underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Salah and his role at Liverpool. As the team navigates through a difficult season, the dynamics between players, management, and pundits continue to attract attention.
Both Carragher and Ferdinand, prominent figures in football commentary, highlight the passion and complexities that come with being part of such a high-profile sport. As Liverpool prepares for upcoming matches, the focus will remain on how Salah and his teammates perform under pressure.
