Jamie Carragher hits back after Rio Ferdinand compares Liverpool icon to Keir Starmer

Arne Slot speaks out after Liverpool's draw against Chelsea

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 15/05/2026

- 19:53

Updated: 15/05/2026

- 19:55

Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand have long been sniping each other on social media

The long-running rivalry between Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand has flared up once again on social media.

It all kicked off after the Sky Sports pundit penned a column for The Telegraph on Friday, softening his previous criticism of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.


Ferdinand couldn't resist taking a dig at his former England teammate, posting on X that Carragher "makes more U-turns than Starmer" alongside several laughing emojis.

The jibe referenced the Prime Minister's reputation for shifting positions on various issues.

Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher had told Casemiro to retire from football but has since reneged on his comments

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PA

Carragher had previously told Casemiro to "leave the football before the football leaves you" back in 2024.

The Liverpool legend wasn't having any of it, though.

He pushed back against the accusation, insisting his latest comments weren't a complete reversal.

"Not a full U-turn but credit where it's due to Casemiro for looking after himself properly, while playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world on £350k a week," Carragher wrote in response.

But he didn't stop there.

Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand took a shot at Jamie Carragher, even comparing him to Keir Starmer

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PA

The 48-year-old turned the tables on Ferdinand, challenging him over his ties to FIFA.

"I'll await your full U-turn on support for Infantino and his World Cup ticket prices," he added.

Ferdinand presented the 2026 World Cup draw last December and has notably avoided addressing questions about ticket costs for the tournament.

This isn't the first time Carragher has taken aim at Ferdinand's FIFA connections.

Following the World Cup draw, he tweeted: "Thoughts on the price of the World Cup tickets? A man of the people would surely call Fifa and Infantino out. Or was your pay packet for the draw (acting) to buy your silence?"

Ferdinand simply replied with a pair of fishing emojis.

The Brazilian midfielder faced heavy criticism after United's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2024, with questions swirling about whether the club would offload his substantial wages.

Casemiro has since enjoyed a remarkable turnaround, featuring regularly in holding midfield as United secured a top-four finish for the first time since 2023.

Casemiro

Casemiro has turned his United career around after a stuttering start and will leave at the end of the season

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PA

The pair's public spats stretch back years at this point.

Carragher famously branded Ferdinand a "clown" during a CBS broadcast back in 2023.

Ferdinand has given as good as he's got, recently mocking Carragher's international career by claiming he used to "hold his wash bag" because he wasn't a regular starter for England.

Carragher hit back, telling Ferdinand to keep doing his podcast since he clearly loves the spotlight.

Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand have taken pops at each other on a regular basis in recent times

Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand have taken pops at each other on a regular basis in recent times

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GETTY

They also clashed following United's 3-2 victory over Liverpool earlier this month.

Interestingly, Ferdinand has previously revealed there's never any hostility when the two actually meet face to face.