Liverpool’s supporters’ board has condemned Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia and the “hurt and division” it has caused.
Henderson’s decision to join former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq has come in for heavy criticism ever since news of a possible transfer emerged earlier this month.
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The 33-year-old has been a long-time ally for the LGBTQI+ community and one of the most high-profile players to have taken part in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, wearing a rainbow-embellished captain’s armband in the past.
Being homosexual or transgender in Saudi Arabia is illegal, while anyone who identifies themselves as LGBTQI+ can be subjected to severe penalties.
Liverpool’s supporters’ board, which was founded in 2022 and is made up of 16 members including Paul Amann, Kop Outs chairperson and Jo Goodall, chair of Liverpool’s women’s supporters’ club, say they are “very disappointed” by the now former captain’s decision to move to the Gulf state.
“Jordan Henderson was a true captain and true leader for Liverpool on and off the pitch,” a statement read. “We know he did much to promote inclusion on and off the pitch. He stood out as a principled footballer.
“We are therefore very disappointed by his decision and the hurt and division it has created. 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”.
Henderson was shortlisted alongside manager Jurgen Klopp in 2021 for the Football Ally honour at the British LGBT awards.
When Josh Cavallo became the first active male professional to come out as gay in October of that year, Henderson was among the footballers to show his support, saying the Australian had shared “an important message that everyone deserves to be themselves no matter what”.
Pride in Football said in a statement: “When you see someone who has been an ally so publicly transfer to a club in a country where LGBT+ people are attacked and imprisoned, it is disappointing.
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“Good luck in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, but you have lost the respect of so many people who valued you and trusted you.”
Former Aston Villa and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay following his retirement from football in 2014, also criticised the move.
He tweeted: “So Jordan Henderson finally gets his move to Saudi Arabia. Fair play to him, he can play wherever he wants to play.
“Curious to know though how the new brand JH will look like. The old one is dead! I did believe for a while that his support for the (rainbow flag) community would be genuine. Silly me…”
So Jordan Henderson finally gets his move to 🇸🇦. Fair play to him, he can play wherever he wants to play. Curious to know though how the new brand JH will look like. The old one is dead! I did believe for a while that his support for the 🏳️🌈 community would be genuine. Silly me…
— Thomas Hitzlsperger (@ThomasHitz) July 27, 2023
Henderson joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 and was appointed club captain after Gerrard’s departure in 2015.
He has been a constant in the Liverpool side since his arrival, making 492 appearances in all competitions and playing 43 times for Liverpool last season.
Manager Klopp said it was a “sad and strange” day for the club.
“I know it was a really, really tough decision for Hendo and I was around or with him all the way,” he told the club website.
“It’s sad, absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but I think it is exciting for him as well. We will miss him, without a shadow of a doubt, that’s clear — as a man and as a player.”
GO DEEPER
Jordan Henderson had the trust of my community. Then he broke it
(Photo: Peter Powell/PA Images via Getty Images)