Jordan Henderson’s Controversial Move to Al-Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson has completed his controversial move to Al-Ettifaq, a Saudi Pro League club. The 33-year-old former Liverpool skipper posted a farewell message to Reds fans on Wednesday, bringing to an end a 12-year stay at Anfield in which he won every major trophy. Al-Ettifaq’s announcement video confirming the signing of Henderson featured a blacked out version of the former Liverpool skipper’s rainbow armband.
Liverpool are due to receive an initial £12million from the Saudi Pro League club, who posted on social media: ‘A leader. A warrior. We’re simply thrilled to have him. Henderson is ETTIFAQI.’
LGBTQ+ Rights in Saudi Arabia
Henderson is far from alone in having chosen to see out the remaining years of his career in the emerging Pro League, but his position as an ally and ambassador for the LGBTQ+ community is juxtaposed with the laws regarding homosexuality in the country he now plies his trade in. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, while the state stands accused of a host of other abuses including placing harsh restrictions on women’s rights and the right to political protest.
Criticism of Henderson’s Move
The initial response to Henderson’s decision has been one of hostility and bewilderment. Liverpool’s LGBT+ Fan Group, Kop Outs, released a stinging statement last night in response to Henderson’s emotional farewell message, which read: ‘So Henderson, what was it about the multimillion pound contract that first drew you away from your commitment to human rights?” The statement poignantly began.
‘Given choices he has recently made, Kop Outs doubt & question if @JHenderson was ever an actual ally. We are deeply disappointed that he is choosing to work as part of a sportswashing operation, attempting to distract from a regime where women & LGBT+ people are oppressed, & that regularly tops the world death sentence table.’
Henderson’s former teammate Jamie Carragher believes the midfielder has serious questions to answer. He told The Daily Telegraph: ‘Henderson has a big problem to deal with because of his previous remarks in support of the LGBTQ+ community. I fully understand that criticism and it is justified.
‘Jordan was heralded on the back of his speaking out, so he has difficult questions to answer, and the critical reaction towards him will have a negative impact moving forward for those communities who cherish support from high-profile figures.
‘When other footballers hear the criticism directed at him, they will not say ‘I can’t go to Saudi’. They will be told by their advisors to keep their mouth shut in case they move there in future, thus avoiding accusations of hypocrisy.’
Conclusion
Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq has been met with criticism due to the country’s laws regarding homosexuality and human rights abuses. His former teammate Jamie Carragher believes Henderson has serious questions to answer and that the criticism directed at him will have a negative impact moving forward for those communities who cherish support from high-profile figures.
For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.