British Museum's decision to display Salah’s shoes criticised

The British Museum’s decision to put Mohamed Salah’s shoe in the Egyptian section has drawn criticism.

According to reports, the announcement by the Museum to honor the Egyptian footballer has sparked controversy after some people  said it shows disrespect to the Egyptian history.

"I completely refuse this decision.“What the British Museum did shows disrespect to the great Egyptian history. Despite my love for the player (Mohamed Salah), it is completely inappropriate to have his shoe displayed between Pharaonic monuments, because these are sacred pieces. If the British Museum wanted to honor Salah, it should have built a museum for him or put the shoe in a special room,” said Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs Zahi Hawas.

He said no player has ever received this recognition, “each country had its brilliant footballers over different times, but no country ever put its players’ shoes among its monuments.”

According to Egypt Independent news website, head of archeologists in the Ministry of Archeology Magdy Shaker has also conemened the deicision.

“I do not agree on having the shoe displayed next to Rosetta stone. The Egyptian section is one of the most important sections in the British Museum, as it contains parts of the most important feats in history. It even has the key to the Egyptian civilization, which is a great deal in itself.”

Egyptian Archaeologist Wessam Hamada, however, said she believes displaying Salah’s shoe as part of Egypt’s contemporary history is a wonderful idea, as no one can deny the Egyptian’s iconic role in lifting Egyptians’ spirits. She added that the fact that he became a part of every street story made him a role model for young Egyptians.