Nusret Gökçe, the Turkish chef and influencer best known as Salt Bae, has gone viral on the internet for his annoying World Cup antics. He caused a commotion after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final as he was spotted holding the prestigious trophy which is against FIFA rules. Only a select few people including heads of state and former winners are allowed to touch the trophy.
The viral celebrity chef Salt Bae’s antics got him banned from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Founded in 1914, it is the oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament in America.
On December 21, 2022, the US Open Cup tweeted: “Salt Bae is hereby banned from the 2023 @opencup Final.”
Soccer fans are said to have enjoyed this decision. They are happy that Salt Bae will not be able to appear in another final and click cringeworthy pictures.
One fan said, “Getting banned for egregious clout chasing is hilarious”
Getting banned for egregious clout chasing is hilarious https://t.co/PJcBpc0U8n
— Logn (@tlologn) December 21, 2022
Some of the other fan reactions are as follows:
“And just like that, the US Open Cup is my new favorite tournament.”
“We need to ban him from the next World Cup as well, lol.”
“Rip Salt Bae, let him snatch more trophies out of children’s hands.”
Rip Salt Bae, let him snatch more trophies out of children’s hands 😭
— Donnie Luudes (@DonnieLuudes) December 21, 2022
Great call, y’all @opencup . Creepy was the word on his actions. Way to align yourselves with creepy, the rest of you.
— David Young (@DavidYo76710828) December 21, 2022
So, it will be best to not expect the restaurateur will be making trips to the Land of Opportunity anytime soon.
Why was Salt Bae banned from U.S. Open Cup Final 2023?
The ban comes after Salt Bae caused a commotion at the World Cup final and went viral for all the wrong reasons.
After Argentina defeated France 4-2 in the penalty shootouts after the World Cup final, the Turkish salt sprinkler was spotted making his way onto the pitch and joining in the celebrations. Players were seen celebrating with their families but Salt Bae was clearly an outsider among them.
The Turkish butcher even approached the Golden Ball winner, Lionel Messi, for a quick snap. While the chef was wearing his signature sunglasses, he called on Messi by tapping on his shoulder. Messi, who was surrounded by people, turned around briefly but was having none of it. He shrugged the chef off.
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However, Salt Bae did not take the hint that it was time for him to stop pestering Messi and continued to do so. Ultimately, clearly against the Argentine’s will, Salt Bae managed to get a picture with him.
The 39-year-old shared pictures on his Instagram where he has 49.8 million followers. He also managed to get a picture with a number of Argentine stars including Paulo Dybala, Angel di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister.
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Many fans were outraged seeing this behavior. Now everyone is happy as Salt Bae is banned from attending a prestigious US soccer tournament.