Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has fiercely clapped back at Rio Ferdinand, calling him a “clown”, after the former Manchester United defender weighed in on the ongoing AFCON controversy.
The heated exchange erupted after Carragher appeared to downplay the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), suggesting that Mohamed Salah’s participation in the tournament could hurt his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Carragher’s comments sparked widespread debate. In response, Ferdinand, on his latest podcast episode, argued that Carragher’s stance reflects the global bias against AFCON, calling on FIFA to elevate its prestige to match the European Championship and Copa America.
“Jamie is right in what he is saying. If Salah won AFCON, it would have no bearing on the Ballon d’Or votes, which is absolutely wrong,” Ferdinand stated.
However, Carragher did not take kindly to Ferdinand’s remarks, firing back on Instagram with a blunt response:
“I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”
The clash between the two football pundits has ignited a broader debate on AFCON’s global recognition, with many calling for greater respect for African football on the international stage.
With Salah having finished as AFCON runner-up twice (2017, 2021), the argument over the tournament’s impact on individual awards like the Ballon d’Or remains a hot topic among football analysts and fans.
