Thomas Hitzlsperger Questions Jordan Henderson’s Support for LGBT+ Issues After Al-Ettifaq Move
Former Aston Villa and Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has questioned Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson’s support for LGBT+ issues after the midfielder made his controversial move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay in 2014 and was the highest-profile footballer to do so, posted on social media: “I did believe for a while that his support for the [rainbow emoji] community would be genuine. Silly me…”
Henderson’s move to the Middle East has been criticised due to his alliance with LGBT+ groups and the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign. 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.
Liverpool Club Supporters Board Expresses Disappointment
Liverpool’s Club Supporters Board, founded last year and including representatives from Kop Outs – the LGBT+ fans group – and the women’s supporters club, said Henderson’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia had caused “hurt and division”.
“We are therefore very disappointed by his decision and the hurt and division it has created,” said a statement. “The very essence of the Liverpool supporters board is to be inclusive and ensure all Liverpool fans, whatever their faith, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability can attend and enjoy football. That’s what we want for fans, that’s what we want for football. We stand in solidarity with our allies from Kop Outs, Liverpool’s LGBT+ Fans Group.”
Jamie Carragher Feels Criticism is Justified
Henderson’s former team-mate Jamie Carragher feels that the criticism being aimed at the midfielder is justified.
Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, the defender-turned-pundit said: “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.”
Carragher went on to say that Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia could have a chilling effect on other footballers speaking out in support of LGBT+ issues. “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. That will equate to buying silence – a grave impact of sportswashing.”
Conclusion
Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq has been met with criticism due to his previous support for LGBT+ issues. Former team-mate Thomas Hitzlsperger has questioned Henderson’s commitment to LGBT+ causes, while Liverpool Club Supporters Board has expressed disappointment at the move. Jamie Carragher believes that Henderson’s decision could have a chilling effect on other footballers speaking out in support of LGBT+ issues.