Henderson opens up on why he has joined BT's Hope United squad

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson opens up on why he has joined BT’s Hope United squad to tackle online abuse… with England star keen to help protect ‘vulnerable’ young stars

  • BT have launched a new initiative in a bid to tackle social media abuse 
  • Henderson and others will use the Euros to put pressure on social media sites
  • The Liverpool captain has agreed to join BT Sport’s Hope United this summer
  • He will be alongside other famous stars like Marcus Rashford and Gareth Bale
  • They aim to force social media giants like Twitter and Instagram to wake up

Jordan Henderson is joining forces with other players to use this summer’s Euros to put pressure on social media companies – with the Liverpool captain telling Sportsmail a line is being crossed constantly.

The feel-good story of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson heading home a late winner was followed up by West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi revealing the racist messages he received on Instagram afterwards.

Henderson recently handed over his social media accounts to the anti-cyberbullying charity Cybersmile and he has now agreed to join BT Sport’s Hope United, along with other big names including Marcus Rashford and Gareth Bale. 

Jordan Henderson and others will use the Euros to put pressure on social media sites


Marcus Rashford and Gareth Bale are among the stars who have come together in a bid to tackle online abuse

Together they want to force social media giants such as Twitter and Instagram to wake up to the state of their platforms and educate the nation on how to be ‘better digital citizens’.

‘It’s normal for players to go on social media after a game,’ Henderson said. ‘There is always going to be criticism, things that aren’t nice. 

‘That’s part and parcel of football. But there is a line, and a lot of the time that line is being crossed. That’s difficult to deal with as a player, as a person.

‘I hope there are repercussions for people who abuse online. Consequences. I feel like because there’s not, people can go on and write what they do, do what they want.’

The Liverpool captain has agreed to join BT Sport’s Hope United this summer (above)

He and others are hoping to force social media giants like Twitter and Instagram to wake up

Henderson joined Twitter and Instagram in early 2015. Later that year, he was named Liverpool captain. He feels it is important to have that direct connection to the fanbase.

But he says youngsters now are being exposed to hate. ‘When you’re a younger player coming into the limelight, that is when you’re most vulnerable, Henderson said. ‘You’re not used to it, and it can be a shock.

‘It’s important to have good people around to help those younger players with that. They can suffer the most. I feel as though we can use our profiles to help make changes. 

‘That’s the influence we can have. This campaign, the social media boycott, things like that can spark conversations. Hopefully the social media companies listen. Something needs to be done.’

BT’s Hope United will rally the UK to tackle online abuse as part BT’s commitment to digitally upskill the nation. Find out more at bt.com/hopeunited.  




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