Liverpool number 14 Jordan Henderson has warned that Mo Salah will only be more fired up if opposing fans keep booing him for ‘diving’.
Salah was blatantly dragged back by Pascal Gross against Brighton having beaten him all ends up, a foul which Seagulls manager Chris Hughton admitted was a penalty kick post-match despite his own fan’s complaints, but that didn’t stop the home crowd getting on the Egyptian’s back.
Via The Mirror, the Reds captain said: “If they do that, they will make him better. It won’t bother him. That’s the mentality he’s got. He’s so strong, I know he is. The more people are against him, the more he will want to prove them wrong. I’m not worried about that.”
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Salah is the Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer along with North London duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Harry Kane, and Henderson claims away fans should respect his brilliance.
Henderson added: “When he goes to away grounds, people should appreciate him. He will do things that people want to see. The things he does, he’s a joy to watch.”
There’s little chance of away fans clapping and cheering for him, but Henderson’s point is generally a good one.
Salah is not a cheat, and he’s probably the best player who will go to most away grounds this season – but if opposing fans want to rile him into playing even better, we’re absolutely fine with that.