Salah fires back at Liverpool fans amid Alexander-Arnold criticism, calls for respectful send-off | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah has jumped to the defence of his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, slamming Liverpool fans for their hostile treatment in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Since announcing that he will leave the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season, the 26-year-old has been targeted by Liverpool fans who feel betrayed by his decision.

Alexander-Arnold is all but certain to join Real Madrid this summer, but it remains to be seen if he’ll link up with Los Blancos in time to feature in the Club World Cup.

Rumour has it he would sign a six-year deal with the record Champions League winners, but Liverpool fans have branded him a traitor for leaving without bringing a penny in transfer fee.

Some sections of the home crowd made their feelings clear when Alexander-Arnold was introduced in the Arsenal draw, but their reaction did not sit well with Salah.

The Egyptian winger believes Alexander-Arnold deserves a hero’s send-off after nearly two decades of service to his boyhood club.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Salah said, “I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him.

“I think he didn’t deserve it at the time. He deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.”

“We shouldn’t act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people who came here, even for six months.

“Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this.”

Salah’s opinion comes ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Amex Stadium, where they will take on Brighton & Hove Albion in their penultimate Premier League game of the season.

He’s hoping Alexander-Arnold gets a proper send-off in the final two games, but Arne Slot might be tempted to shield the defender from further hostile receptions.

The England international will leave Liverpool with over 350 senior appearances under his belt, returning 23 goals and 92 assists.

He has won everything there is in English football and is widely considered one of the best right-backs in the world.