Richard Keys appeared to voice disapproval over Mo Salah’s reaction to being substituted in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday night.
The Reds’ number 11 was withdrawn in the 60th minute of the match with the teams level at 1-1, a bold call by Jurgen Klopp given the need for a victory to keep the Premier League title race in our hands, but one which was vindicated by the final score.
As the Egyptian made his way off the pitch, he was seen shaking his head in bewilderment before the briefest acknowledgement of his manager’s extended arm, with the 31-year-old’s disappointment clear for all to see.
Reviewing the exchange during beIN SPORTS‘ match coverage, Keys said: “Watch this…shake of the head. No, no, no. Wasn’t friendly, was it?”
While it can be a bad look for players to react petulantly to being substituted, Salah’s response last night didn’t really fall into that category.
We’d be more worried if his face upon being taken off was one of relief rather than annoyance, as he must’ve felt that he could’ve plundered a match-winning moment had he remained on the pitch.
His joyous reaction to Alexis Mac Allister’s wonder goal made it clear that his personal disappointment was swiftly eclipsed by delight for his teammates.
You can view Key’s reaction to Salah being substituted below, via @beINSPORTS_EN on X:
What do you think of the reaction of Mo Salah to being substituted? #beINPL #LIVSHU #LFC pic.twitter.com/ybh424kD81
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 4, 2024
Like anybody listens or takes Keys seriously! He’s just a mouthpiece spouting rubbish trying to be controversial and stay relevant!
Salah a disciplined professional
He expressed his disagreement when ordered to leave the pitch as he felt he could score
Not shaking hands with his manager was impolite
Yes , Richard Keys is trying to be over exaggerating the situation..we see with most strikers ..they disagree for the moment but it’s a team effort not mo Salah and keys nonsense
Do you think other gaffer would let him play every single match if his form is bad? He needs to look at a bigger picture….
I wonder if Richard keys liked being substituted on Sky Sports?
Exactly Keys who ?