"You will bring the wrath of God upon us": Mohamed Salah at the heart of a religious controversy in Turkey

Controversy over Trabzon fans' chant for the Egyptian star

Turkish researcher in Islamic sciences Ihsan Senocak has criticised the chant sung by Trabzonspor fans for Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, demanding it stop immediately and warning against repeating it.

His objection centres on the song Trabzonspor supporters sing in Salah's name after his goals. "Allah Allah, Mohamed Salah," they chant. Senocak sees that as an inappropriate use of phrases carrying religious connotations in the stands.

"Where did you get this from?"

According to what was published by the Turkish website Haberler, Şinocak opened his remarks by stressing the religious and scholarly standing of Trabzon, saying: "What is Trabzon? It is the home of scholars, is it not?

Speaking as one of the city's own sons, he added: "How can tens of thousands in Trabzon, which draws its pride from Islam and faith, chant the phrase 'Allah Allah, Mohamed Salah'? Where did you get this from?".

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Disasters will befall us

Çinozak called on Trabzonspor's fans to stop chanting the slogan, saying: "Stop this immediately. You will bring the wrath of God upon us. Disasters and afflictions will befall us."

His remarks have since sparked wide discussion and controversy across social media.

Salah joined Trabzonspor last summer on a free transfer, a deal that caused a huge stir at every level in Turkey.

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