Liverpool star becomes subject of on-air jokes during Anfield loss | OneFootball

Salah free-kick miss sparks on-air jokes during City clash

Liverpool star becomes subject of on-air jokes during Anfield loss

Mohamed Salah became the focus of on-air jokes after missing free-kick during Liverpool’s Premier League defeat to Manchester City.

What happened at Anfield?

Liverpool suffered 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in matchday 25 of the Premier League 2025 /26 season.

The match was played in full by Mohamed Salah but one moment involving the Liverpool star drew unexpected attention.

In the 70 minute, Salah won free-kick just outside the penalty area after being fouled by Marc Guehi.

Liverpool players appealed for a red card but the referee showed only yellow.

Salah chose to take the free-kick himself.

NBC Commentators react on air

Salah’s attempt went high and wide ending up in the stands behind the goal near the Kop.

According to Liverpool.com, the miss caused laughter from NBC Sports commentators Joe Speight & Lee Dixon.

The reaction quickly spread online and became one of the talking points from the match.

The moment became more striking when, four minute later, Szoboszlai scored from free-kick taken from a longer distance highlighting the contrast between the two efforts.

Reports also noted that Salah has never scored direct free-kick in the Premier League or Serie A.

His only free-kick goals came for Egypt against Uganda in 2019 and once in Champions League earlier this season after a lay-off from Szoboszlai.

Mixed reactions and form questions

Following the miss, reactions on X were harsh. Some fans described the free-kick as one of the worst they had seen while others questioned Salah’s form and future.

Salah scored six goal in 24 match this season, a clear drop compared to his previous campaign where he netted 34 goal.