To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Jamie Carragher hits back at Rio Ferdinand over Saudi Arabia criticism

Ryan Sidle

Published 
| Last updated 

Jamie Carragher hits back at Rio Ferdinand over Saudi Arabia criticism

Rio Ferdinand has called out Jamie Carragher for his views on Saudi Arabia investing in football, and the Sky Sport pundit isn't having it.

The last few weeks have seemed absolutely mad with the rise of the Saudi Pro League being a big name player in football, especially the transfer window.

Ruben Neves became the league's most expensive ever signing whilst Karim Benzema followed Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest profile player.

Steven Gerrard also joined as a manager and the Liverpool legend has set his eyes on a couple of former teammates at Anfield to join him.

Advert

Loading…

Gerrard had initially decided to turn down an approach from the Middle East but eventually decided to relent and move to Al Ettifaq.

Many have been criticial of the Saudis attempt to buy their way into football and Carragher has been amongst the most vocal.

The Sky Sports pundit said: "Saudi have taken over Golf, the big Boxing fights & now they want to take over football!! This sports washing needs to be stopped!"

Advert

Now Ferdinand has criticised the former Liverpool man for not criticising his mate Gerrard for moving to the country he has lambasted.

"Jamie? Jamie Carragher man, where are you?" the former Manchester United star asked on his FIVE YouTube channel.

"...Your boy's [Gerrard] gone over there and I've not heard a peep out of you. I've not heard how disappointed you are..."


Advert

Ferdinand claimed he was happy for all the players and managers who were going over to Saudi Arabia and claimed people were 'going mad' just because of the country.

However Carragher has hit back at BT Sport and criticised him for his support of Qatar and Saudi, whilst saying he's never had an issue with those going over.

"Never criticised Silva, Benzema, Neves or SG, I don’t like Saudi trying to buy football like they have Golf," the former defender said on social media.

Advert

"I knew you’d be all over it Rio Ferdinand," he added with the money emoji, "like you were in Qatar!

"That's why you refused to do the opening game [of the World Cup] for BBC Match of the Day, didn’t want to criticise your paymaster!"


Advert

Carra was referencing the start of the World Cup in which Gary Lineker opened the show in Qatar with a monologue, ahead of the host nation's opening game with Ecuador.

Lineker said: "From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, where many lost their lives.

"Homosexuality is illegal here. Women's rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight. Also the decision six years ago to switch the World Cup from summer to winter."

Ferdinand was not a pundit on that game.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter

Topics: Rio Ferdinand, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Jamie Carragher, Manchester United, Liverpool, Steven Gerrard

Ryan Sidle
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Football

Lionel Messi calls MLS a "minor league", agrees with Cristano Ronaldo

5 minutes ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Erik ten Hag 'wowed' by son of Man United legend, wants to fast track him into the first team

2 days ago