Rio Ferdinand responds to being called 'clown' by Jamie Carragher as AFCON row turns personal

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Jamie Carragher after his former rival labelled him a clown for his response to the Liverpool legend's comments about the Africa Cup of Nations.

After scoring and assisting a goal during the massive win over Manchester City, Mohamed Salah took one step closer to leading Liverpool to the Premier League title this season.

The winger has been vital to Liverpool's success this season and has emerged a clear favourite to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but post-match Carragher claimed he would be held back by the fact he can't win a major international trophy with Egypt.

Fellow pundit Ferdinand was highly critical of the Liverpool legend's comments, and now Carragher has hit back.

Carragher's comments following Liverpool's win over City appeared to dismiss the Africa Cup of Nations as a major tournament, leading to significant backlash online from both fans and his peers.

Speaking on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand presents, the United legend criticised Carragher, saying: "I think [what he said] is representative of most of the people out there, But I don't think that's right. It's an ignorant thought process.

"Yes, it doesn't get backed resources wise like the Euros but that doesn't mean you have to devalue it. It should be respected more than it is."

Ferdinand added: "I understand what Jamie's saying but I don't agree with it. That's the majority's fault and its not right. 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."

Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand have clashed with each other on several occasions. (Image: Getty)

After seeing the backlash to his comments, Carragher took to social media to further explain his thought process, and later specifically address Ferdinand's take, commenting on a clip of the podcast posted on Instagram.

"I didn't say that you clown," Carragher wrote.

"Stop playing to the gallery like you always do."

But Ferdinand wasn't willing to let his rival's accusations fly without getting a jab in himself, as he replied: "You've had a bad couple of weeks... Lewis Skelly and Pep."

The controversy around his AFCON comments comes just days after Carragher was called out by City boss Pep Guardiola for claiming that star striker Erling Haaland was afraid of facing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger in the Champions League mid-week.

Earlier in the month, the former Liverpool defender also received criticism after he hit out at Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly for copying Haaland's signature goal celebration during the 5-1 win at the Emirates.