Soccer-Criticism of Henderson's Saudi Arabia move understandable - Southgate


FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Al-Ettifaq unveil Jordan Henderson - Zagreb, Croatia - July 28, 2023 Al-Ettifaq's new signing Jordan Henderson poses for a photograph holding a shirt Al-Ettifaq Media Office/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

(Reuters) - Gareth Southgate said he understands criticism of Jordan Henderson's decision to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, but added that the move has not affected the England midfielder's position as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

The 33-year-old joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool on a three-year deal last month. The switch to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, made headlines as Henderson has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a statement, Pride in Football, the alliance of LGBTQ+ supporters' groups in Britain, said the midfielder had "lost the respect of so many people" who valued and trusted him.

Asked about the backlash to Henderson's move, Southgate on Friday 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," the England manager added.

"I think it's very complicated, 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.

"I think it's so difficult to say, 'is Henderson saying he doesn't support that community anymore'? Well no, he isn't, but of course people are going to say his actions are the reverse of that."

Southgate also refused to rule out a future move to Saudi, saying: I don't think anybody in their right mind can honestly answer that until they are right in that position.

"I might have a view now, and I could give you an easy answer to get myself off the hook and take any pressure and get everybody to go, 'oh that's fine'. But the reality of that is, until you're in that situation... by the way it's not something I'm looking to do!"

Saudi Arabia have flexed their financial might in recent weeks by luring some of the best players from European clubs with lucrative contracts, including Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, while Liverpool great Steven Gerrard has joined Al-Ettifaq as head coach.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Football

Football fever returns: Asean Cup semi-final tickets for Singapore-Vietnam game sell out
Soccer-Motta says Juve should have closed out Monza match sooner
Soccer-PSG edge Lens on penalties to progress in French Cup
Soccer-I can't just flick a switch and change style, says Spurs boss Postecoglou
Soccer-Juventus end stalemate run with 2-1 win at Monza
Soccer-Dortmund coach Sahin calls for more consistency in 2025
Soccer-Bournemouth boss Iraola says too early to celebrate table position
Soccer-Liverpool hit Tottenham for six to cement top spot, Chelsea held
Soccer-Slot warns Liverpool against complacency after thrashing of Spurs
Soccer-Mbappe’s self-criticism has fuelled his rise, Ancelotti says

Others Also Read