Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has stirred up talk among some fans. He shared a photo of a Christmas tree on social media.
Each year, the star posts a Christmas tree picture and a message. He does this as a Muslim.
Salah does not show up in the photo. Still, some Muslim fans slammed it. They called it wrong for a faithful Muslim to connect with a Christmas sign.
The post spread fast across the web. It pulled in comments from fans and haters.
Some fans raised faith worries. They said Christian holiday symbols clash with Islam. As a top Muslim sports star, Salah should skip posts tied to other religions’ events.
One follower said: “We waited and he did the GOAT thing. Let their weeping begin. Tears are proudly sponsored by Mo Salah. Merry Christmas.”
Another wrote: ‘You are Muslim… you should respect your religion and culture… what are you showing to millions of people.’
One more warned: ‘Bro, fear God for your own sake – you’re a Muslim, and millions follow you and love you, most of them Muslims and young, and they’ll see what you’re doing as normal and trivial, but it’s a major sin and an innovation and something that doesn’t concern Muslims.’
Salah joined Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. He drew huge backing from Muslim and non-Muslim fans.
Fans praised the Liverpool player for spreading good will and oneness. His post cuts past religious lines.
“The world will be a better place if we tolerate our differences,” one supporter said.
“Respect is respect, being in the African Cup of Nations didn’t stop him from sharing love, humanity comes first, Merry Christmas,” another added.
One fan wrote: “You know, I have been waiting for this picture since the first of December. So happy to see it – in a way that gives haters and lovers so much to talk about. You never disappoint. It’s my prayer that this joy that you are so full of will continue to fill up your family and the world all together. God bless you.”
Salah starred for Egypt this week. He nailed the winning penalty in a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe on Monday.
The Pharaohs meet South Africa on Friday. They want to build on that win.
Egypt tops AFCON history with seven titles. Their last one came in 2010. Salah turned regular for the team soon after.
