Henderson had been at the forefront of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ campaign
Jordan Henderson officially completed his move to Al-Ettifaq on Thursday, bringing an end to a 12-year association with Liverpool.
Henderson, who captained the Reds to a first league title in 30 years and lifted the club’s sixth Champions League win, heads to Saudi Arabia under a cloud of controversy.
During his time at the Reds, Henderson was a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ movement, often speaking in support and campaigning on their behalf however his move has left a sour taste among several groups, including Liverpool’s own, Kop Outs.
Homosexuality is considered illegal in the Gulf State and can be punishable via prison, which significantly undermines the work done by the England international as he makes his move.
A statement from Kop Outs following news of his move said: “So Henderson, what was it about the multimillion pound contract that first drew you away from your commitment to human rights?
“Given choices he has recently made, Kop Outs doubt & question if @JHenderson was ever an actual ally. We are deeply disappointed that he is choosing to work as part of a sportswashing operation, attempting to distract from a regime where women & LGBT+ people are oppressed, & that regularly tops the world death sentence table.
“This regime was responsible for the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It flogs people just for advocating for others’ human rights. It is gobsmacking that a father of young children is moving to a regime that is set to break its promise on executing juveniles.”
His move to the Saudi Pro League now also sees the former Sunderland man become the highest-paid English footballer in the world, with the 33-year-old reportedly earning £700,000 a week.
He will now link up with Steven Gerrard, who became manager of Al Ettifaq and could be joined by Michail Antonio, with reports suggesting that Gerrard may make a move for the West Ham forward.
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