Fiorentina head coach Paulo Sousa: 'Fans should ignore Mohamed Salah'

Fiorentina head coach Paulo Sousa has advised the club's fans to ignore former player Mohamed Salah when his side take on Roma on Sunday.

The Viola registered a complaint with FIFA after Salah joined Roma this summer, believing that they had the first option to sign the Egyptian winger after his loan spell with the club in the second half of the 2014-15 campaign.

Sousa wants Fiorentina supporters to dismiss Salah on his return to the Stadio Artemio Franchi, rather than boo the player every time he receives the ball.

"It is normal for a player to be jeered when he faces his old club, but often indifference is a far stronger message than jeers," Sousa told reporters ahead of the clash.

"Our fans should use their energy towards cheering us on. They will of course make their own decisions and express themselves as they see fit.

"Despite everything against Napoli, our fans supported us to the end and this makes me very proud to be in charge of this club."

Sousa's side currently sit at the top of the Serie A table, one point above Roma ahead of their weekend fixture.