'I'm with Salah': Fans urge Egyptian star not to quit

Sports Desk: Egyptian football fans are backing star player Mohamed Salah after it was revealed he is ready to quit the national team over his anger at being photographed with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

On Sunday it was revealed the Liverpool star was considering ending his international career over his disappointment at what has happened in Chechnya, where the team has been based during the World Cup at Russia 2018, a source close to the forward told CNN.

Football fans across Egypt reacted to the news of Salah's potential decision by using the hashtag "I'm with Salah" and backing his discomfort over becoming embroiled in politics.

Many supporters laid the blame at the feet of the Egyptian Football Association and have begged that it stops using Salah for political means.

Kadyrov has been widely condemned for human rights abuses and the persecution of the LGBT community in Chechnya.

According to the source, the player felt exposed after being photographed walking beside Kadyrov, an incident which became a major talking point at the World Cup, leading to criticism of the forward.

The source told CNN the Liverpool star doesn't wish to engage in topics beyond football or to be used for anyone's political image.

Kadyrov, leader of Chechnya since 2004, has stifled any form of dissent, subduing the separatist movement that fought the Russian army for nearly two decades.

Recently Kadyrov made Salah an honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic.

Agencies


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