Mohamed Salah Risks Backlash with Reaction to Liverpool Substitution in Forest Clash

Liverpool fans have criticized Mohamed Salah for his sarcastic reaction after being substituted during the team's tense Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.[1][2]

The game, crucial for Liverpool's Champions League qualification push amid rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa dropping points, ended dramatically. Liverpool thought they had a late winner via Alexis Mac Allister, but it was disallowed for handball before he scored the actual decider minutes later.[1]

With the score 0-0 in the 77th minute, manager Arne Slot substituted Salah and Cody Gakpo for Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha. Salah, enduring a rocky relationship with Slot this 2025/26 season, shook his head while leaving the pitch and was later caught on camera laughing on the bench in apparent disbelief.[1][2][3]

Salah's performance was subpar by his standards: 0 shots, 0 dribbles, 0 accurate crosses, and 4 unsuccessful touches. In contrast, Ngumoha energized the side in 14 minutes with 11 touches, 2/2 take-ons (100%), 2 duels won, 1 chance created, and 1 touch in the opposition box—outshining Salah and Gakpo, as noted by Jamie Carragher.[2]

Social media erupted with fan backlash. One posted on X: "Why is Salah laughing on the bench? Does he think he played well?" Another vented: "One cheeky c*** Salah... sitting there laughing like it’s a crime he’s been took off. He was f****** dreadful."[1] A third added: "Salah laughing on the bench next to Gakpo after doing absolutely f*** all."[1]

This incident deepens questions over Salah's Liverpool future, amid his worst season form and ongoing tensions with Slot.[2][4] Supporters see the laughter as dismissive, fueling calls for accountability from the Egyptian star.[1][2]

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