Jamie Carragher has hit out at Rio Ferdinand after the former Manchester United defender became the latest to aim criticism at the Liverpool legend for his comments on the Africa Cup of Nations.

Carragher has faced criticism after he appeared to play down the significance of the tournament while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.

The Liverpool talisman is the current favorite for the award, having added yet another goal and assist to his remarkable tally this season in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.

This year would appear to be Salah’s best chance of winning the Ballon d’Or, with two fifth-place finishes the closest the Egyptian has come in the past.

Fizzing Jamie Carragher brands Rio Ferdinand a 'CLOWN' as Man Utd legend told 'stop playing to the gallery'	Jamie Carragher labels Rio Ferdinand a 'CLOWN' after the former Man United defender claimed his AFCON dismissal is an 'ignorant thought process'	Rio Ferdinand branded a ‘clown’ by Jamie Carragher after wading into AFCON debate

"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, I think it's either the Champions League or the major tournament [that influences who wins the Ballon d'Or],” Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, he said: “I think [what he said] is representative of most of the people out there.

Replying to a post on Ferdinand’s Instagram account which included a clip from his podcast, the former Liverpool defender said: “I didn’t say that you clown, stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”

With 30 goals and 21 assists from just 38 appearances in all competitions this season, Salah looks to be the overwhelming favorite for this year’s Ballon d’Or at the moment

With Liverpool on course to win the Premier League and no international tournaments this summer, a Champions League triumph may well cement the biggest individual price in soccer for him.


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