Mohamed Salah has offered an explanation for his now-viral title-winning celebration, which has sparked discussions about a potential investigation by the English Football Association (FA). The Liverpool forward’s gesture came during his side’s emphatic 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, a result that sealed the Reds’ 20th English top-flight title and put them level with Manchester United for the most league titles in English football history.
Salah, who has been instrumental throughout Liverpool’s campaign, played a vital role once again as the Reds brushed aside Tottenham at Anfield. Despite falling behind to an early goal from Dominic Solanke, Liverpool responded in style. Goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie turned the game on its head. Salah himself added the fourth, sparking a memorable celebration that drew significant attention.
Rather than a typical goal celebration, Salah made his way toward the famous Kop end and took a selfie using a phone handed to him by one of the stadium stewards. The moment quickly spread across social media, with millions of fans sharing and reacting to the image of Salah capturing the occasion on camera. While this may have seemed like a light-hearted gesture to commemorate a historic moment, it has now come under scrutiny from the FA.
The FA is reportedly reviewing whether Salah’s celebration could be interpreted as an advertisement. The phone used during the celebration is believed to be manufactured by one of Liverpool’s commercial partners, Google Pixel. While it is not uncommon for players to engage with fans or use props in celebrations, the connection to a club sponsor has raised questions about whether the act crosses into promotional territory.
Salah explained the motivation behind the celebration, noting that it was a deliberate and symbolic act. Throughout the season, he has made a habit of taking selfies with teammates who score. With the title-clinching match at hand, he wanted to create a lasting memory that would stand out.
“At the beginning of the season, I always take selfies with players [who score], so for this one I said, ‘OK, I have to think of something special because it’s a picture that’s going to be there forever,’” Salah explained.
The image certainly accomplished that goal, as it has been widely circulated and discussed. However, the FA maintains strict regulations about commercial messaging during matches, especially when it involves player conduct on the pitch. These rules are designed to prevent any unauthorized advertising or promotion that could be seen as taking advantage of the match setting, particularly in an era where social media moments can go viral instantly.
There is no clear precedent in the rulebook explicitly banning such a celebration, even if the phone used belonged to a sponsor. Past instances, such as Mario Balotelli’s selfie celebration for Manchester City, did not result in disciplinary measures. Still, the context of commercial involvement makes Salah’s case somewhat unique.
While it remains to be seen whether any formal action will be taken, the incident highlights the blurred lines between player expression, fan engagement, and commercial influence in modern football. For now, Salah’s celebration stands as a symbol of a successful season and a reminder of how even joyful moments on the pitch can become subjects of deeper scrutiny.
