Turkish Chef Salt Bae Was Criticized Because He Dared To Win A Trophy And Win A World Cup Medal

Salt Bae holds the World Cup trophy (Instagram @nusr_et)

JAKARTA Turkey's cook Nusret Gokce or familiarly known as Salt Bae has been criticized on social media for daring to touch the World Cup trophy after Argentina's victory last weekend.

The 39-year-old chef joined the field as La Albiceleste celebrated their victory over France at the Lusail Stadium, Sunday, December 18 yesterday.

In various video clips circulating, he was seen taking the trophy from Angel's hands in Maria and making his iconic movement sprinkling salt on the trophy while being held by Leandro Martinez.

He also had time to lift the trophy and put it on his head and kiss it. Not only that, this pending chef was also caught on camera holding Lionel Messi's mega star shoulder twice.

This action then got the attention of netizens because Salt was considered to have violated FIFA rules. Former English football player and now BBC host Gary Lineker even called Salt Bae a 'prey'.

Meanwhile, other social media users actually questioned why Salt Bae was given access to the field. Access to this field is likely to be obtained by Salt because he is known to be good friends with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The moment of celebrating Argentina's victory was then uploaded by Salt Bae on social media in a photo and video format. That includes selfies of himself with Messi and his poses while biting the player's medal.

"You shouldn't touch the trophy. Only the players and staff are working hard to become champions who have that right. You just want to get attention," commented one netizen in response to the post.

Referring to FIFA rules, real trophies can only be touched and held by selected people, including former FIFA World Cup winners and heads of state.

Salt Bae is not the first celebrity to threaten because he dared to touch the trophy. In 2014 when Germany won, singer Rihanna was also known to touch, selfie, and kiss the World Cup trophy.