The Sky Sports pundit dismissed the Africa Cup of Nations' status as a 'major tournament' but was quickly challenged by fellow panellists

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said Jamie Carragher's comments disregarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major tournament were ignorant.

The recent AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire was a masterclass in football spectacle. It showcased years of growth in African football, delivering top-tier coverage, improved officiating, thrilling matches, shocking upsets, and all the elements of an elite tournament.

Jamie Carragher has called Rio Ferdinand “a clown” after the former Manchester United defender labelled him “ignorant” over his comments on the Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON ).

Who would have thought a discussion on the brilliance of Mohamed Salah would spark a heated social-media row about the merits of the Africa Cup of Nations? Well that 39;s what happened when Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher suggested Afcon was not considered a major tournament .

Racist bias from Jamie Carragher is what's really behind his comments about AFCON not being a "major tournament"

Jamie Carragher has denied being “disrespectful” to the Africa Cup of Nations after branding Rio Ferdinand a “clown” for accusing him of ignorance about the tournament’s status.

Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand have clashed on social media various times in recent years and Monday saw a fresh row following the Liverpool legend's comments on the Africa Cup of Nations

Jamie Carragher has hit back at Rio Ferdinand after he was called a 'ignorant' over comments made about the African Cup of Nations on Sky Sports on Sunday. The Liverpool legend appeared to downplay the importance of the competition,