Jordan Henderson apologises to LGBTQ+ fans after Saudi move: ‘My beliefs have never changed’
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Footballer Jordan Henderson has issued a lukewarm apology to the LGBTQ+ community following backlash over his controversial move to Saudi Arabia. The former England midfielder faced criticism from LGBTQ+ fans for playing in a country where homosexuality is illegal, despite his previous support for queer football fans.
Henderson, known for his dedication to LGBTQ+ allyship, had been a prominent supporter of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign and was even nominated for Football Ally at the LGBT+ Awards in 2021. Therefore, his decision to transfer to Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ fans.
Former Lioness Jill Scott expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m a Jordan Henderson fan, but now I know I wouldn’t be welcome if I wanted to watch him play football.” The move was seen as a betrayal to the community that Henderson had previously championed.
However, just six months after signing with Al-Ettifaq, Henderson terminated his contract and announced his signing with Dutch team Ajax. In a press conference as an Ajax player, he defended his move to Saudi Arabia as “nothing other than a football decision” and emphasized his respect for the Saudi Arabian league.
Henderson acknowledged the controversy surrounding his decision and offered an apology to those who were offended by his move. He stated, “If anyone was offended or feels I have upset them, that’s on me, that was my decision, and I apologize for that. That was never my intention.”
While Henderson expressed remorse for any hurt caused, he made it clear that his beliefs had not changed. He said, “But my beliefs have never changed and never will. Again, I can only apologize if people feel let down, but I have not changed as a person and never have.”
The footballer also defended his time in Saudi Arabia, stating that he had learned a lot and had no ill feelings towards the country. He emphasized the friendships he had formed and expressed gratitude for the experience.
Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq raised questions about the intersection of sports and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics argued that by playing in a country with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Henderson was effectively endorsing those discriminatory practices. However, others defended his right to make career decisions based on his personal circumstances and priorities.
The controversy surrounding Henderson’s move highlights the ongoing debate about the responsibility of athletes to use their platform for social change. While some argue that athletes should prioritize their own careers and financial stability, others believe they have a duty to promote inclusivity and equality.
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