Mohamed Salah reacted angrily to being dropped from the starting line-up and the criticisms aimed towards him for Liverpool’s ongoing woes.
Salah failed to start a third straight game in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United and was an unused substitute throughout.
The Egypt international subsequently claimed he had been ‘thrown under the bus‘ by Liverpool, and his relationship with manager Arne Slot has collapsed.
His outburst has generated several reactions, with former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney the latest to express his opinion on the situation.
Rooney, who has heavily criticised Salah, said the four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner is damaging his reputation at Liverpool.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: “Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say ‘you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable’.
“Take yourself off to AFCON and let everything calm down. If I were him, there would be no way he would be in the team. It needs to be sorted out quickly either way.
“He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He’s gone about it all wrong.”
By contrast, Rio Ferdinand has backed Salah, insisting that he has been treated unfairly given his contributions for Liverpool.
Liverpool are still undecided about whether to include him in the travelling squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan.
Slot retains the backing of the Liverpool hierarchy, which could ultimately force Salah out of the club if the pair fail to settle their differences.
Saudi Pro-League club Al-Hilal are keen on signing the Egyptian in the winter transfer window. Major League Soccer’s San Diego are also considering a move.
