Sports
Henderson will be hated by the LGBTQ community — Carragher
When it comes to money, there are really no loyalties in football, and as recent reports have proven, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson may be one of the players to bear the brunt of criticisms going forward regarding a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has voiced his belief that captain Jordan Henderson will face criticism for his decision to transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq.
Following reports on Thursday that Henderson had accepted a lucrative offer of £700,000 per week from the Saudi club, Liverpool is now engaged in negotiations with Steven Gerrard’s side over a transfer fee for the England midfielder.
Carragher, while recognizing the financial allure of such an offer, suggests that Henderson’s move will likely result in considerable backlash due to his previous vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Saudi Arabia, and the Super Pro League’s state-funded strategy of recruiting high-profile players has been widely regarded as an attempt at sport washing, an opinion that placed Jamie Carragher against Man United legend, Rio Ferdinand.
When questioned about his thoughts on Henderson’s transfer, Carragher took to Twitter to share his perspective.
He stated, “The money is difficult to turn down, hence why virtually no one has,” emphasizing the financial aspect of the decision.
Carragher continued, “He will get criticism because he received a lot of praise for his stance on LGBTQ+ in the past.”
The Liverpool legend acknowledged that Henderson’s departure represents a significant move, particularly considering his role as captain, but also noted that it could be seen as a positive deal for Liverpool.
While Carragher acknowledged that Henderson is no longer in his prime as a player, he recognized the significance of Liverpool’s captain making the transition to the Saudi Arabian league.
The move represents a notable statement, both for Henderson individually and for Liverpool as a club. Carragher concluded by remarking that the deal could ultimately benefit Liverpool as well.
Jordan Henderson’s transfer to Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia has sparked discussion and drawn attention due to the contrasting social contexts regarding LGBTQ+ rights between the two countries.
As news of the move continues to circulate, it remains to be seen how the wider football community and fans will react to Henderson’s decision, particularly in relation to his previous support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Liverpool supporters, on the other hand, will undoubtedly feel the impact of Henderson’s departure, given his influential role both on and off the pitch.
The club now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for their captain, while also navigating the potential backlash that may arise from the circumstances surrounding Henderson’s move.
As the transfer saga unfolds, opinions on Henderson’s decision are likely to remain divided, with fans and pundits continuing to debate the implications of his move to Saudi Arabia and the wider issues surrounding sport washing.
