Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has launched a scathing attack on Jamie Carragher, labelling him "unforgivably ignorant" for downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Keys took aim at Carragher in his blog after the pundit suggested AFCON was not a "major tournament" during a discussion about Mohamed Salah's Ballon d'Or chances.
"What ignorance. Unforgivable ignorance," Keys wrote, criticising the "arrogance" of UK-based experts who dismiss football beyond British borders.
The controversy arose during a Sky Sports broadcast following Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Manchester City, where Salah scored and provided an assist.
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has launched a scathing attack on Jamie Carragher, labelling him "unforgivably ignorant" for downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations
BEIN/SKY
During a discussion about Salah's Ballon d'Or prospects, Carragher suggested the Egyptian star was at a disadvantage because he's "probably not playing in the major tournament as such."
His comments sparked immediate pushback from fellow pundits and triggered widespread criticism on social media.
Micah Richards immediately challenged Carragher's stance, stating: "Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying 'they aren't taking it serious'."
When Carragher questioned Egypt's World Cup chances, Daniel Sturridge intervened: "It's a fact. If you win the Euros or Copa America it's deemed to be big so the AFCON is in the same level."
Jamie Carragher has been condemned on social media for his comments on the African Cup of Nations
SKY
Richards emphasised: "AFCON is big, isn't it?"
Salah's current form has strengthened his case for the Ballon d'Or, with 25 league goals making him Europe's leading scorer.
The Liverpool forward has added five goals in other competitions and provided 21 assists across all tournaments.
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His latest performance against Manchester City, where he scored and assisted, further highlighted his credentials as a leading Ballon d'Or contender.
African players have historically struggled to gain recognition in Ballon d'Or voting, with George Weah remaining the only winner since his triumph in 1995.
Sadio Mane came closest to matching Weah's achievement when he finished second in 2022.
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The Africa Cup of Nations will return later this year, with Morocco hosting the tournament for the second time.
Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, will enter as one of the favourites to claim the trophy.
Salah will lead his nation's campaign alongside Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, who joined the Premier League champions in January following an impressive spell with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Mohamed Salah was outstanding on Sunday as Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-0 to move closer to the Premier League title
PA
Meanwhile, Salah showed his humble side on Sunday when asked if he's getting better with age.
"I don't know. It is opinion," he said. "Maybe people prefer my first seasons or now but I prefer now because winning the league, helping the young players, it is special.
"We need another title. Me and the big guys in the team, we need another title."
