Gareth Southgate defends Jordan Henderson from LGBTQ+ activists' criticism following Saudi move

Jordan Henderson who has been advocate of LGBT+ community has been lambasted after his move Al-Ettifaq

According to Gareth Southgate, he can see why Jordan Henderson has come under fire from LGBTQ+ activists for moving to Saudi Arabia.

The England manager believes Henderson, 33, can still support the neighbourhood after joining Al-Ettifaq in July.

The former captain of Liverpool signed a contract worth £12 million with add-ons to join the Saudi Pro League team.

“I think it’s very complicated,” Southgate told Talksport. It’s not for me to judge any individual whether they’re in football or in any other industry.”

“I don’t think he’s changing his view on what he believes in. So now we’re in a really complex world where, what are we saying, nobody should go to Newcastle?

“Should nobody work for companies that the Saudis own in London or should nobody buy oil from the Saudis?”

Jordan Henderson has consistently backed LGBTQ+ rights, and two years ago he published an article promoting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces initiative in a Liverpool matchday programme.

In Saudi Arabia, engaging in same-sex relationships is forbidden and punishable by death.

A network of LGBT+ fan organisations in the UK called Pride in Football claimed the midfielder had “lost the respect of so many people who valued and trusted” him.

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“I completely understand the argument of, you know, you’ve supported the LGBTQ community and I can understand why they would have a really strong view on it,” said Southgate.

“I think it’s so difficult to say, you know, is Henderson saying he doesn’t support that community any more? Well no, he isn’t, but of course people are going to say his actions are the reverse of that.”

Henderson earned his international debut for England in 2010 and has since played 77 times, netting three goals.

The player questioned Southgate about whether Henderson’s participation in the Middle East would have an impact on his inclusion in the international team and whether he might be left out.

The Premier League and Champions League, according to Southgate, would continue to provide the “easiest assessment for the level” at which Henderson is now competing.

“We would be stupid to do that,” said Southgate. “Why would we rule anyone out based on where they are playing? We have got to see how they are playing.

“We have an idea of what that league will look like, but we won’t know until we actually start to see the games.”

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