'Clown': Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand clash over Mohamed Salah AFCON row

Jamie Carragher has called Rio Ferdinand “a clown” after the former Manchester United defender labelled him “ignorant” over his comments on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Carragher was criticised after he appeared to dismiss the idea that AFCON is a major tournament while discussing in-form Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d'Or award.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday after Liverpool beat Manchester City in the Premier League, Carragher said: "I think the problem is the fact he's with Egypt, and he's probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning. I think it's either the Champions League or the major tournament [that wins the Ballon d'Or]."

Carragher's co-panelist Micah Richards interjected and said: “I'll just say, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home will say they're taking that seriously. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know."

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said. “That comment [Carragher's] is representative of the majority of people out there.

"The majority of people out there would say that. I don't think that's right, I think that's an ignorant thought process because the [Africa Cup of Nations]... if you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto'o, Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, they will tell you we have to win this.

"I understand what Jamie is saying but I don't agree with it. But I understand that is the majority's fault and it's not right."

Carragher hit back at Ferdinand on Instagram, commenting on his post: "I didn't say that you clown, stop playing to the gallery like you always do."

In a separate post, Carragher addressed the situation and said: "The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d'Or. If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don't think he would win the Ballon d'Or.

"Because I don't think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments. But if Mbappé had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity. It's not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it's just my opinion when I watch them.

"Saying it wasn't a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make," he continued.

"The face I pulled when Micah interjected was nothing to do with the merits of the tournament, I just knew as soon as he did what the reaction was going to be! I get a lot people didn't like what I said and that's fine."