Jordan Henderson’s Move to Saudi Arabian Club Al-Ettifaq Sparks Outrage Over Rank Hypocrisy

Jordan Henderson’s decision to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq has seen the former Liverpool captain accused of rank hypocrisy. The 33 year-old had long been seen as a prominent ally of the LGBTQ+ community due to his outspoken support on the issue, so much so that earnt a nomination for “football ally of the year” at the British LGBT Awards in 2019.

However, that reputation is now in ruins, given that homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and is punishable by death. Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ Fan Group, Kop Outs, have even slammed their former star player, stating they are ‘appalled’ at his choice to swap Merseyside for the Middle Eastern country.

What has Jordan Henderson said about supporting LGBTQ+ rights?

Speaking in his matchday programme notes ahead of a home Premier League clash against Southampton in November 2021, Henderson said on the topic of LGBTQ+ discrimination: ‘I do believe when you see something that is clearly wrong and makes another human being feel excluded you should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. You also have a responsibility to educate yourself better around the challenges they experience. That’s where my own position on homophobia in football is rooted. Before I’m a footballer, I’m a parent, a husband, a son, a brother and a friend to the people in my life who matter so much to me.’

He added: ‘The idea that any of them would feel excluded from playing or attending a football match, simply for being and identifying as who they are, blows my mind. The idea they’d have to hide from it to be accepted? But that’s exactly how too many members of the LGBT+ community feel. We know this because they tell us. So we should listen, support them and work to make it better.’

As Liverpool captain, Henderson frequently wore an armband in the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ+ flag as part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Promoting the initiative in 2019, Henderson said in an interview with The Athletic: ‘It [Rainbow Laces] says you are welcome, we are on your side and the small-minded idiots who make you feel uncomfortable have no place in football. Simple as that.

‘I’m a parent, a husband, a son and a brother, and the idea that anyone I love and care about wouldn’t feel safe or comfortable coming to watch me play if they were part of the LGBT community makes me wonder what world we live in. In this day and age that anyone would make another person feel uncomfortable or unwelcome because of their sexuality is mindblowing.’

During the Euro 2020 tournament on home soil, Henderson reached out to England supporter Joe, who explained on Twitter that he was petrified of attending the Round of 16 clash against Germany due to fears over discrimination. Henderson replied to Joe on Twitter: ‘Hi Joe great to hear you enjoyed the game as you should. No one should be afraid to go and support their club or country because football is for everyone no matter what. Thanks for your support, enjoy the rest of the Euros.’

During that very tournament two years ago, Henderson wore rainbow laces on his boots as England made it all the way to the final. In a separate tweet, Henderson replied to a Liverpool fan who revealed he had struggled with his sexuality throughout his teenage years. Henderson wrote on the social media platform: ‘You’ll never walk alone Keith. If wearing the Rainbow Laces armband helps even just one person then it’s progress. Everyone is welcome at Liverpool Football Club.’

Jordan Henderson had been a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, but his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq has sparked outrage over rank hypocrisy. Despite homosexuality being illegal in Saudi Arabia and punishable by death, Henderson has long been seen as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community due to his outspoken support on the issue. From wearing an armband in rainbow colours during matches to reaching out to England supporters who feared discrimination at Euro 2020, Henderson has shown his commitment to making football accessible for everyone regardless of their sexuality.

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