Your Liverpool media round-up for Wednesday, March 30.
Salah involved in laser pen controversy
Mohamed Salah’s World Cup dreams were wrecked by three pens; the fluorescent laser pen directed into the eyes of Egypt’s superstar, the spot-kick he subsequently blasted uncharacteristically high and wayward at the start of the decisive shoot-out; and the winning strike of team-mate Sadio Mane to take Senegal to Qatar at Egypt’s expense.
Jurgen Klopp needed all his man-management skills to lift Salah’s spirits after last month’s African Cup of Nations final defeat. He must repeat the trick after an emotionally draining two-legged qualifier.
READ MORE: Mohamed Salah subject to racist abuse during World Cup play-off defeat to Senegal, claims Egypt FA
READ MORE: Dejan Lovren sends message to Mohamed Salah after Liverpool star suffers World Cup heartbreak
This time, Salah’s heartbreak is compounded by his role in his country’s agonising shoot-out exit. Usually so reliable from the spot for his club and country, Salah struck into the Dakar skyline with the first of Egypt’s penalties. The incessant use of lasers by the home fans offers some mitigation. Such was the frequency, it gave the visual impression of the game being played amid a swarm of radioactive mosquitos.
Read the full story from Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph here.
Henderson slams Harry Maguire boos
Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice have joined England boss Gareth Southgate in slamming fans who booed Harry Maguire at Tuesday's win over the Ivory Coast.
Loud jeers could be heard when Maguire's name was read out as the Three Lions' team was announced. The defender has come in for fierce criticism for his performances for Manchester United this season, though he has continued to be a key part of Southgate's England team.
"I can't get my head around what happened at Wembley tonight. Harry Maguire has been a colossus for England. Without him, the progress made at the last two tournaments would not have been possible," Henderson's statement read.
