Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has labeled former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand a “clown” following Ferdinand’s response to Carragher’s comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher had previously dismissed AFCON as a major tournament, stating after Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester City that Mohamed Salah’s participation in the competition diminished his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
In his podcast, Ferdinand countered by asserting that Carragher’s viewpoint reflects a broader perspective and called on FIFA to elevate AFCON’s prestige to match that of the European Championship and Copa America.
Salah, who has yet to win the AFCON, has been a finalist twice, in 2017 and 2021.
Ferdinand said: “I understand what Jamie’s saying but I don’t agree with it. That’s the majority’s fault and its not right. I think the federations like FIFA need to make sure they implement language around AFCON so it equals the Euros and the Copa America.
“Jamie is right in what he is saying. If Salah won AFCON that would have no bearing on anyone when they vote for the Ballon d’Or, which is absolutely wrong.”
However, Carragher has hit back at Ferdinand over his take.
“I didn’t say that you clown.
“Stop playing to the gallery like you always do,” Carragher commented on the Instagram post.