(Video) Footage clarifies what Mo Salah actually did after final whistle in Frankfurt last night…

The controversy around Mohamed Salah’s behaviour following Liverpool F.C.’s emphatic 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt has been settled — at least to a large degree — thanks to new footage that paints a clearer picture of what really happened after the final whistle in Germany. (The Empire of The Kop)

Initially, reports circulated that Salah, unusually benched and introduced only late in the match, stormed off immediately at full-time, seemingly in a sulk. These claims came largely from on-site journalists who claimed they saw the winger head straight down the tunnel without offering any acknowledgement to the travelling supporters. (The Empire of The Kop)

But the new video footage challenges that narrative. Instead of disappearing in anger, the clip shows Salah taking a moment to stop, applaud the away fans in the stands, and then proceed toward the tunnel. The gesture was brief but meaningful, and it appears to contradict the story of immediate frustration. (The Empire of The Kop)

To understand why this matters, one must consider the context: The 5-1 victory was historic, yet Salah found himself out of his usual rhythm. Having started on the bench — something rare in his Anfield tenure since 2017 — he entered the match with Liverpool already dominant. His inclusion after the 74th minute left him chasing form and impact. (The Empire of The Kop)

During his cameo, he had opportunities, registering some shots and a decent expected-goals figure, but he failed to score. More importantly, one moment late in the match suggested tension: a chance to pass to Florian Wirtz went un-played in favour of a shot — a decision that raised eyebrows given Wirtz’s earlier assist contributions. (The Empire of The Kop)

Salah’s reaction after full-time, and the debate surrounding it, has deeper implications. His status at Liverpool appears to be shifting. Manager Arne Slot’s decision to bench him for consecutive matches signals that the club is preparing for an era in which the 33-year-old may no longer be the automatic starter he once was. (The Empire of The Kop)

For the Egyptian forward, the moment is a critical test of character. Being viewed as “disappointed” after a match in which his team won so convincingly suggests he holds himself to exceptionally high standards — but it also reflects a changing role within the squad. The applause to fans may have been less about celebrating, and more about acknowledging personal frustration and reaffirming solidarity. (The Empire of The Kop)

From the club’s perspective, the episode raises questions about squad dynamics, morale and message setting. If Salah is seen to be frustrated, the optics matter — especially when a club is shifting towards younger talents and new tactical frameworks. Slot must now manage the balance between respect for an iconic figure and the evolution of the team’s identity.

Liverpool’s fans, meanwhile, are divided. Many defend Salah, pointing to his record, loyalty and recent personal tragedy (the loss of teammate Diogo Jota) as factors that may explain his subdued mood. Others interpret the moment as symbolic of a wider transition — the club letting go of any player being untouchable. Fans wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the gesture of applauding the travelling supporters “should clear up misconceptions” about his attitude. (The Empire of The Kop)

What remains clear is that the footage changes the narrative. Instead of a sulk, we have a player who took a moment of connection with the fans — then proceeded to the tunnel. Whether this act closes the door on the story, or simply reframes it, depends on what comes next. For Salah, the challenge is to prove his relevance. For Liverpool, it is to manage one of its greatest modern players with care, while pushing forward.

In conclusion, the drama in Frankfurt is not just about the result or the performance — it’s about legacy, transition and respect. The video may clarify what Salah did after the whistle, but it also opens the door to deeper questions: Where does he stand in this evolving Liverpool side? And how will both player and club respond in the weeks ahead