A Liverpool LGBTQ+ fan organization has accused Jordan Henderson of sportswashing and aiding in the concealment of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record after the midfielder justified his move to Al-Ettifaq.
In July, the former captain of Liverpool completed a £12 million transfer to Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League side coached by Reds icon Steven Gerrard.
After 12 years at Anfield, Henderson decided to go to Saudi Arabia. This decision drew criticism. And the 33-year-old was accused of undermining his public endorsement of the LGBT community.
During his stay at Liverpool, he was outspoken in his support of the rainbow laces movement and the elimination of LGBT prejudice in football.
Due to the fact that homosexuality is against the law in Saudi Arabia. And that there is a lot of discrimination against gay people, the Liverpool LGBT fan group Kop Outs had expressed their “appall and concern” before Henderson’s decision.
Henderson, 33, said he moved to Saudi Arabia to ‘promote the sport all over the world’. He told The Athletic that he understood the outrage around his decision.
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The English international claimed that Saudi Arabia may ultimately benefit from his presence. And that the country is aware of his “views and values.”
During his time at the Merseyside club, the England international won every trophy available. He became the first Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League alongside the UEFA Champions League in 2019. He also won the League cup, FA cup, Super cup as well as the Club World Cup during his 12-year stay.
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