Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah was reportedly the target of pitch invaders as shocking scenes unravelled during an international fixture on Sunday.
The Pharaohs were 2-0 victors in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier away against Sierra Leone on Sunday, courtesy of two goals by former Aston Villa striker Trezeguet, one of which had been assisted by the Liverpool attacker.
Read: Nigeria remain winless in WC qualifiers, Bafana remain top
Sierra Leone were also on the receiving end of two red cards, with Tyrese Fornah being sent off in the 39th minute and Abdul Jarju Kabla receiving his marching orders late in the second half.
Seemingly incensed by the way that match had gone and the two red cards, a crowd of people were seen rushing on to the field just before the 90th minute, with a video that has since gone viral on social media showing several stadium security members rushing to subdue pitch invaders who, according to reports, wanted to attack members of the Egyptian team.
Another fan was then spotted sprinting from the stands straight towards Salah, but his path was quickly blocked by the Liverpool winger's teammates Mohamed Abdelmonem.
Two officials in military attire then ran on to the field and huddled around the 31-year-old to protect him from any more potential threat, accompanying him away from the chaos.
???? Football/Sierra Leone : Scène confuse durant le match d'éliminatoires de la Coupe du monde en Afrique, entre la Sierra Leone et l'Egypte de Mo Salah. Des individus sont envahis le terrain pour attaquer les joueurs égyptiens. L'armée a du rentrer sur la pelouse. pic.twitter.com/icGvdXoKuA
— Franceat (@Franceatpresso2) November 19, 2023
The Reds forward is considered one of the biggest stars on the African continent and in world football, and has had to deal with overzealous fans on a regular basis as a result.
Salah's personal bodyguard Karim Abdou, on the 5ASide Podcast earlier this year, revealed the measures they go through to ensure the Egypt captain's safety as well as some of the bizarre occurrences they have had to deal with.
He revealed that on one occasion Salah went to go pray in a mosque, after which someone followed him home, found out his address, and shared it to a WhatsApp group.
Read: Lukaku nets four as Belgium run riot in final qualifier
According to Abdou, 20 000 people showed up to his house once they found out where he lived!
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