Cairo cafes empty for Liverpool matches as Egyptian fans boycott games over Mohamed Salah’s benching, with many calling for his transfer exit
LIVERPOOL matches once packed cafes across Cairo, but Egyptian fans are now switching off in protest after Mohamed Salah’s public fallout with manager Arne Slot.
The star forward delivered an unusually sharp rebuke after being left on the bench for three consecutive games, telling reporters he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club.
Adel Samy, a 40-year-old fan at a cafe in Cairo’s Shoubra neighbourhood, said the venue used to overflow with supporters whenever Salah played.
“We’re upset, of course,” Samy told AFP, noting only a handful of customers were present for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan.
Cafe helper Islam Hosny said the street outside would be packed with “people standing on their feet more than those who sat on chairs” during Salah’s appearances.
“The cafe would be as full as an Ahly-Zamalek derby,” Hosny told AFP, referencing Egypt’s fiercest football rivalry.
“Now because they know he’s not playing, no one comes.”
Salah has powered Liverpool’s return to European prominence since joining in 2017, inspiring two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph among other honours.
The 32-year-old is Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 250 goals in 420 appearances, cementing his status as Egypt’s greatest sporting export.
His current struggle for form this season, with five goals in 19 appearances, coincides with Liverpool winning just five of their last 16 matches across all competitions.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and all players go through dips,” said cafe patron Mohamed Abdelaziz, 40, arguing they still typically play.
Eighteen-year-old Shady Hany questioned how “a player like Mohamed Salah sit on the bench for so long,” telling AFP “it is time for Salah to leave.”
Manager Arne Slot said on Monday he had “no clue” whether Salah would play for Liverpool again amid the escalating tension.
Salah has approximately 18 months remaining on his £400,000-a-week contract signed in April 2022, with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching after next weekend’s match against Brighton.
Saudi Arabian clubs have renewed their interest in landing Salah during the winter transfer window, according to a Public Investment Fund source who spoke to AFP.
Al-Ittihad, who had a £150 million bid rejected two years ago, and Al-Hilal are both monitoring developments while Aramco-backed Al Qadsiah is also reportedly keen.
Egyptian sports pundit Hassan Khalafallah believes financial motivations are secondary for Salah despite the lucrative offers.
“If he cared that much about money, he would have accepted earlier offers from Gulf clubs,” Khalafallah told AFP.
“What matters to Salah is his career and his legacy.”
Salah’s journey from the Nile Delta village of Nagrig to global stardom at Anfield has inspired millions across Egypt and beyond.
His rise represents a classic underdog story, progressing from Egypt’s El Mokawloon to Basel, enduring a tough spell at Chelsea, finding form at AS Roma and ultimately becoming one of the Premier League’s greatest players.
“Salah is an Egyptian star we are all proud of,” said fan Shady Hany.
“Saudi Arabia is money, but Salah deserves more. He still has so much ahead of him.” – AFP
