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.

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!"

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..."

🗣️ RIO FERDINAND CALLS OUT JAMIE CARRAGHER pic.twitter.com/mbGpLTm1Mc

— FIVE (@FIVEUK) July 6, 2023

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.

"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!"

Never criticised Silva, Benzema, Neves or SG, I don’t like Saudi trying to buy football like they have Golf.

I knew you’d be all over it @rioferdy5 🤑🤑🤑
like you were in Qatar!
Thats why you refused to do the opening game for @BBCMOTD didn’t want to criticise your paymaster! https://t.co/ibJeNJ5WaU

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 6, 2023

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.