Mo Salah assigned bodyguards as footballers swarm Liverpool ace after Egypt match

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has been assigned bodyguards after fans and opposition players swarmed the footballer in his recent international outings.

The Egyptian Football Association made the decision after the Pharaohs' World Cup qualifier against Angola last Friday was interrupted on three occasions by pitch-invaders eager to reach the Liverpool ace.

On Tuesday, the star striker was once again mobbed on the pitch, however this time by opposition players asking for his jersey after Egypt's 2-1 win over Gabon.

In footage shared online, Salah is seen explaining to the Gabon players that he had already promised his shirt to another player. The 29-year-old was then escorted off the pitch by two bodyguards.

The Egyptian FA later explained its decision in statements to local media.

"The association wanted to ensure that no player is exposed to any kind of friction, especially in light of the spread of Covid-19,” The Egyptian FA was quoted by Ahram Online as saying.

"The special interest that surrounded Salah was normal, especially after the game against Angola was stopped more than once because some fans wanted to take pictures with Salah, given his status as one of the world's most prominent football stars."

Egypt's win on Tuesday means that they are potentially two games away from qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The Pharoahs' opponents in the upcoming two-legged tie is yet to be decided.

Mo Salah is considered to be the world's best player, scoring 10 goals for Liverpool in the Premier League so far this season.