Al Ettifaq repeatedly block out rainbow armband in Jordan Henderson’s unveiling

Saudi Arabia side Al Ettifaq repeatedly blocked out Jordan Henderson’s rainbow armband during his transfer announcement video.

The Liverpool captain completed his £12million plus add-ons move to Al Ettifaq after 12 years at Anfield.

And Henderson’s controversial switch to Saudi has been met with angry reactions from Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ fans and communities, along with the likes of German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger – the only Premier League star past or present to come out as gay.

That's because 33-year-old Henderson has been a vocal supporter for greater inclusivity in the game and repeatedly wore and backed rainbow laces and armband campaigns for both Liverpool and England.

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk reacts to 'legend' Jordan Henderson quitting Liverpool for Saudi Arabia

But the England star has seen all mention of him wearing a rainbow armband blocked out during his unveiling video from Al Ettifaq.

The short video shows Henderson’s journey from Sunderland to Liverpool, showing him playing for the Reds throughout the years as captain.

What do you make of Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments section.

But the shirt sleeve on Henderson’s left arm has been edited to black to block any colour or resemblance of the rainbow armband being seen or recognised

Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in Saudi Arabia.

Henderson will earn a reported £700,000 per week playing under Steven Gerrard next season, but the Champions League and Premier League winning captain is now seen as a hypocrite by many, who have accused him of tarnishing his work with LGBT communities and campaigns throughout the years.

Henderson spoke during the Stonewall campaign in 2019, he said: "This campaign is important if there are still supporters out there who don't feel they can be themselves or, even worse, have to hide who they are for fear of getting abuse or being discriminated against.

"I'm a parent, a husband, a son and a brother and the idea that anyone I love and care about wouldn't feel safe or comfortable coming to watch me play if they were part of the LGBT community makes me wonder what world we live in.

"As long as even one supporter questions whether they are welcome or can enjoy football because of their sexuality, the campaign is important. It sends the message: you are welcome, we are on your side and the small minded idiots who make you feel uncomfortable have no place in football. Simple as that."

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