Jordan Henderson was a vocal supporter of the LGBT+ community - but that didn’t stop him from completing a transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson left Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq this summer
A Liverpool LGBT+ fan group has dismissed Jordan Henderson’s apology and told the midfielder: “Actions speak louder than words.”
The England international, 33, caused controversy when he left Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq during the summer transfer window. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, with the maximum penalty being the death penalty.
Henderson was a vocal supporter of the LGBT+ community during his time at Liverpool, leaving many fans feeling betrayed by his move to Al-Ettifaq. The Champions League winner tried to explain the transfer in an interview published on Tuesday morning.
Henderson says he can “understand the anger” surrounding his move and has told disapproving fans he’s “sorry they feel that way”. Kop Outs!, a prominent Liverpool LGBT+ fan group, believe Henderson’s apology is merely an attempt to rebuild his brand.
Kop Outs! have also revealed that Henderson has made no attempt to approach the group since his transfer. “No acceptance by Henderson of his role in sportswashing, trying to disguise the disgusting Saudi human rights record,” read a tweet from the group.
“This sounds more like an attempt to rebuild his “brand”, sorry isn’t good enough Jordan Henderson. Actions speak louder than words.”
Henderson spoke to The Athletic about his move to Saudi Arabia. He claims he didn’t go for the money - insisting the move was for footballing reasons - and that he carefully thought about his decision. He’s also believes Saudi Arabia’s laws should be respected.
Yet Kop Outs! don’t believe the transfer was for footballing reasons. They added: “There for the football? For up to 5,000 fans in scorching temperatures with other aged players. The managers and players selling themselves would be better off managing and playing in lower league football here.”
One Twitter user then asked Kop Outs! whether Henderson has attempted to reach out to them “before he left to now”. They replied: “Not one word.”
The LGBT+ community feel betrayed by Henderson (
Image:
Getty Images)
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Henderson, who was controversially included in the latest England squad, said: “I can understand the frustration. I can understand the anger. I get it. All I can say around that is that I’m sorry that they feel like that. My intention was never, ever to hurt anyone.”
The Al-Ettifaq captain was asked whether he would wear rainbow laces in Saudi Arabia, something he’s done before. He said: “I wouldn’t rule that out. But at the same time, what I wouldn’t do is disrespect the religion and culture in Saudi Arabia.
“If we’re all saying everybody can be who they want to be and everybody is inclusive, then we’ll have to respect that. We’ll have to respect everyone. And by doing something like that, if that did disrespect the religion, then no, I’m not going to do that. But if the opportunity comes where I can do it and it doesn’t, then yeah, because that’s my values.”
Henderson insists he does care about the LGBT+ community and that he’s ‘hurt’ when people criticise him of turning his back on them. He also claims that Liverpool didn’t try to keep him, adding: “At no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay”.
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