During the World Cup qualifier match between Sierra Leone and Egypt on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia, Mohamed Salah fans invaded the pitch to have contact with him.

Egyptian FA vice-president Khaled Al-Dirandali in an interview expressed genuine worry for Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah. The match, intended as a crucial sporting event, took an unexpected turn when several fans invaded the pitch.

Al-Dirandali disclosed his apprehension, citing the small number of police present on the field to handle the situation. Despite the invasion being characterized as friendly, with fans expressing their admiration for Salah, Al-Dirandali acknowledged the potential risks associated with such incidents.

Al-Dirandali remarked, “I felt worried after more than one fan came on to the field because the number of police on the field was small, but thank God, God covered them,”. He emphasized that although the intentions were not malicious, the situation could have escalated and resulted in harm to both the players and the fans involved.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by organizers in ensuring the safety and security of players during high-profile matches. The Egyptian FA vice-president’s candid acknowledgment of the situation highlights the need for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, preserving the integrity and safety of the beautiful game.