The Beautiful Gesture From Andy Robertson Towards Mohamed Salah That Unites Liverpool FC and Its Muslim Supporters
The camaraderie between Liverpool players is well known in Premier League, especially with the arrival of Mohamed Salah.
Ever since the Egyptian arrived at Anfield from AS Roma in 2017, the dressing room and dug out ethics have undergone a transformation, with Salah adding to the growing list of muslims in the Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Even after the departure of Xherdan Shaqiri, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita, Liverpool still has muslim presence in the form of Salah and Ibrahima Konate.
Klopp was praised recently by all for changing training session timings during the holy month of Ramadan where muslim players observe fast from dawn to dusk., which is likely to affect players’ nutrition and recovery
Salah, a devout muslim, who prays five times a day and does not touch alcohol nor endorse any beverage product, is a friendly chap who gets well with the rest of the team.
The Beautiful Gesture From Andy Robertson Towards Mohamed Salah That Unites Liverpool FC and Its Muslim Supporters
Affectionately, he is called Mo and even British media tends to address him as Mo Salah, something they have done with Ethiopian origin long-distance runner Mohamed Farah as well, who is more popularly known in the fourth estate as Mo Farah.
So it did come as a surprise when Salah was addressed loudly as ‘Mohamed’ by his Liverpool team-mate Andy Robertson as the former came to the training room.
In a video which reportedly went viral on social media, Salah is seen slowly walking towards the room and as soon as Robertson sees him, he loudly addresses him as “Mohamed” and gives him a tight hug, perhaps in a sign of unity among Liverpool fans as well as a reassurance for their muslim fans all over the world.
The video started trending on Twitter as the warmth and camaraderie was welcomed by all and sundry.
Liverpool have always been very accommodative in religious matters and it was very evident during the month of Ramadan.
As per Premier League rules, captains were allowed to request a drinks break after sunset for players to break their fast.
However, Liverpool went a step ahead for the muslim players who were fasting as they were allowed to train in the morning so that they had enough time for recover in the afternoon.
Major impact
Ever since Salah’s arrival at Merseyside in 2017 he has had a major impact on the fans all over the world, especially the muslims.
As per UK media reports, there has been a steady decrease in anti-muslim hate crimes in the city of Liverpool as a result of Salah’s arrival.
The 31-year-old striker has been an integral part of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League winning squads and Klopp always holds him in high esteem.
His prolific goal-scoring ways won plaudits from Klopp to such an extent that the German coach went on to say, though in a lighter vein that “If he scores another few, then I’ll be muslim too!
Liverpool is said to be one of the most multicultural clubs in England and with the likes of Salah excelling, it is likely to provide impetus for young fans who follow the same religion to aim high.
