Jordan Henderson has been hit by criticism from a group of Liverpool LGBT fans over his possible move to Saudi Arabia.
The England midfielder is reportedly considering a move to Al-Ettifaq to join his former teammate Steven Gerrard, who was announced as manager earlier this month.
Henderson is reportedly considering an offer of £700,000 a week to join the squad.
The 33-year-old has spoken out in support of LGBT+ initiatives in the past and the potential move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, has sparked controversy.
Henderson made headlines in 2021 when he tweeted his support for non-binary England fan Joe White after White shared his experience of him attending matches. He also shared a message of support for a gay Liverpool fan during the club’s Rainbow Laces campaign in 2020. Henderson was subsequently nominated for a ‘Football Ally’ at the LGBT+ Awards.
Liverpool LGBT+ group Kop Outs tweeted: “The Kop Outs appreciated the bond shown by Jordan Henderson.
“We are appalled and concerned that anyone is considering working for a #sportsclothing operation for a regime that oppresses women and LGBT+ people and regularly tops the death penalty list around the world?”
They added: “Gerrard’s involvement in this sports wash is particularly heartbreaking given that he previously supported LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers.
“If someone has made a fortune, should the money encourage him to go to work? Maybe they should ask themselves these questions.
“We hope Jordan Henderson proves he’s a man of his word and stays true to our club’s values, of which he has so far been the absolute embodiment.”
Henderson has made 360 appearances for Liverpool since joining in 2011. He has also made 77 appearances for England.
