Harry Kane defends Jordan Henderson from criticism over Saudi move from LGBTQ+ community
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Jordan Henderson (Source: via LFC)
Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane have come out publicly to defend Jordan Henderson after the midfielder moved to the Saudi Pro League. Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq will see him earn £700,000 a week.
England Manager, Gareth Southgate, and captain, Harry Kane, have defended Jordan Henderson after the midfielder has come under scrutiny from the LGBTQ+ community. In 2021, Jordan Henderson showed his support for the ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign which aimed to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. “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,” Henderson wrote. 2 years since then, the LGBTQ+ fans believe that the former Liverpool man has betrayed them by moving to Saudi Arabia.
When asked about the situation Southgate answered, “He is very mature at handling any situation. His feeling towards that community hasn’t changed.” The English gaffer also believes that the fans will get behind the player once the match starts. Similarly, Harry Kane came out and reiterated the player’s personality. “Jordan is a good friend and a great person. Everyone here knows how good a person he is,” he spoke.
The Liverpool fans have mentioned that they appreciate their former skipper’s acceptance in knowing when his body is not able to give the best on the pitch and chooses to move away. But the LGBTQ+ fans say anywhere but Saudi would have been fine. As one Liverpool fan responded to Jordan Henderson’s letter for the Red Laces campaign after his move to Saudi, “I’m sure he meant those words when he wrote them. But right now, they no longer feel as meaningful.”
From Liverpool to Saudi Arabia
Jordan Henderson was not the first and may not be the final player to leave for the Middle East. With exorbitant wages and a luxurious life awaiting them, many players have made the deal with Saudi clubs. Roberto Firmino, a modern-day Liverpool great, left for Al-Ahli and so did his compatriot, and Liverpool teammate, Fabinho, who left for Al-Ittihad. But what about previous generations?
Steven Gerrard has taken a managerial position at Al-Ettifaq after a brief stint in the Premier League with Aston Villa. Further, Robbie Fowler has also taken a managerial position in Saudi Arabia for second-division side Al Qadsiah. Both these players were loved and idolized by the Liverpool fan base.
With all the moves to the Middle East, this does not look like it will stop anytime soon. So, whether Henderson and others are able to gain respect back from the LGBTQ+ community or not, will be interesting considering how the whole narrative against Saudi is there in the open.
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Syed Talib Haider
(1039 Articles Published)