Salah faces backlash from Muslim fans for Xmas post
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has drawn criticism from sections of his Muslim fanbase after posting a family photo in front of a Christmas tree.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The image, which has become an annual tradition for the Salah family, featured Salah, his wife Magi, and their daughters Makka and Kayan, dressed in coordinated festive pyjamas. The family posed cheerfully beside their decorated tree and a gingerbread figure, with Salah captioning the post with “#MerryChristmas.”
WHAT THE FANS SAID
The post, shared with Salah’s 63.7 million Instagram followers, sparked a wave of reactions, with critics and supporters voicing their opinions.
One disapproving comment read, “You let me down bro,” while another implored him to remove the post, stating, “Delete this right now.” Another user expressed disappointment, saying, “We Muslim people look up to you, and you do this in return,” punctuated with crying emojis.
Conversely, many fans came to Salah’s defence. One commenter, @jamesredmond_97, wrote, “Merry Christmas Mo. Ignore all these idiots. Hope you and your family have a well-deserved holiday season.” Another user, @Pras_fpl, noted the predictability of the backlash, stating, “In what has become an annual tradition on Christmas Day, I read and enjoy the comments on Salah’s post for an hour. Never disappoints.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Away from the online disputes, Salah has been in remarkable form on the pitch. The Egyptian forward has netted 15 goals and provided 11 assists this season, positioning himself as the league’s leading contender for the Golden Boot. His standout performances include becoming the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures in both goals and assists before Christmas.
WHAT NEXT FOR SALAH?
Salah and Liverpool are set to face Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day. Despite the social media uproar, Salah remains focused on maintaining his stellar form and helping his team continue their impressive season in the Premier League.