Football fans certainly aren't happy with Salt Bae.
The influencer-chef is getting slammed online after posting multiple photos of himself at the World Cup final holding the trophy.
The World Cup is famously only allowed to be touched by a select few, and it's safe to say that the Turkish chef, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, is not one of them.
Advert
The accolade is one of the most recognised trophies in the world, and one of the most sought-after.
The 18-carat gold trophy is estimated to be worth around USD$20 million (AUD$29.7 million, £17.7million), so the select few extends to a very select group of people, which includes winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state.
Or so the FIFA website says, anyway.
Despite this well known rule, Salt Bae shared photo after photo of himself with his mits on the iconic golden figure.
The move outraged fans on social media, with many racing to the comments section of his own Instagram posts to leave salty observations.
Advert
One Instagrammer said: "You shouldn't touch the Cup. You 're not a champion."
Another questioned why the Turkish restauranteur was allowed to grasp the incredible accolade: "I thought only world champions could touch the Cup?"
A third roasted the butcher for his actions: "Why you are holding it and why are you are on the field? You shouldn't be there. This is the time for players who have worked hard and not for celebrities to hang around and take selfies for their own promo."
Another lashed out: "They worked hard for that trophy. You shouldn’t even be touching it!"
Advert
Salty indeed.
Salt Bae isn't the only celebrity who has flouted tradition with the item that is arguably the most prized item on the planet for footballers around the world.
In 2014, pop singer Rihanna broke the rules when she got her hands on the trophy during Germany’s post-match victory party.
The 'We Found Love' singer was photographed with the solid-gold prize seized in her hands.
Advert
She also posted for a selfie and revealed she had kissed the trophy, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
After her night of celebrations, the singer tweeted: "I touched the cup, held the cup, kissed the cup, took a selfie wit the cup!!! I meeeaan...... what is YO bucket list looking like bruh?"The 2014 party saw wives, partners, girlfriends and even children of the German side allowed to touch the 18-carat Cup.
So, perhaps FIFA has relaxed the rules a little bit.
Advert
Just as long as we don't see a certain Turkish butcher salting the trophy up for a spin on the BBQ, then we're good.
Topics: Football, Football World Cup, Argentina
Rachel Lang