Mohamed Salah found himself at the centre of unexpected attention after becoming the subject of live on-air jokes during Liverpool’s home defeat by Manchester City at Anfield.
Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by the reigning champions on Sunday in the 25th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, a result that dented their momentum in front of a packed home crowd.
While the outcome itself was damaging, a moment involving Salah in the second half sparked widespread reaction beyond the scoreline.
The Egypt forward completed the full 90 minutes, but it was an incident in the 70th minute that drew focus.
Salah won a free kick just outside the penalty area after being fouled by Marc Guehi. Liverpool players immediately appealed for a red card, though the referee opted to caution the defender instead.
Salah stepped up to take the set piece himself. However, his effort sailed high and wide, ending up in the stands behind the goal near the Kop, prompting a surprising response from the live broadcast.
According to Liverpool.com, the miss led to laughter from NBC Sports commentators Joe Speight and Lee Dixon.
Dixon was heard remarking on air: “I think I know what Mohamed Salah was trying to do here.” The light-hearted comment, coupled with the reaction in the commentary box, quickly gained traction online as clips circulated during and after the match.
The moment was further underlined just minutes later when Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai converted a free kick from an even greater distance, offering a sharp contrast between the two attempts and intensifying discussion among supporters and pundits alike.
Reports following the game also revisited Salah’s record from direct free kicks, noting that he has never scored one in either the Premier League or Serie A.
His only goals from such situations have come for Egypt against Uganda in 2019 and once earlier this season in the Champions League, following a pass from Szoboszlai.
Reaction on social media platform X was mixed but often unforgiving.
Some supporters labelled the effort as one of the poorest free kicks they had witnessed, while others used the moment to question Salah’s current form and long-term future at the club.
Statistically, the forward’s output this season has fallen short of previous standards.
Salah has scored six goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, a marked drop from last season, when he found the net 34 times.
While Liverpool’s defeat will concern manager and fans alike, the focus on Salah’s missed free kick has added another layer of scrutiny to a season already filled with pressure and expectation.
