Hitzlsperger believes Henderson's LGBT+ support 'was not genuine'
Thomas Hitzlsperger believes Jordan Henderson’s support for LGBT+ issues ‘was not genuine’ after his controversial move to Saudi Arabia
- Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger came out as gay in 2014
- He has again criticised Jordan Henderson after his divisive move to Saudi Arabia
- Hitzlsperger believes Henderson’s support for LGBT+ issues may not be genuine
Former Premier League footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger believes Jordan Henderson’s support for LGBT+ issues may not be genuine after his move to Saudi Arabia.
Henderson’s controversial decision to join Al-Ettifaq in the Middle East this season has been criticised due to his well-publicised alliance with LGBT+ groups and the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign during his time at Liverpool.
Hitzlsperger, 41, came out as gay in 2014, making him the highest-profile player to do so at the time, and shortly after confirmation of Henderson’s switch, he took to social media to voice his disappointment and question the midfielder’s motives.
Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in Saudi Arabia and the state has been accused of a number of other abuses, including clamping down on protests.
Writing for The Guardian, Hitzlsperger said: ‘He supported the fight against homophobia in the past and people feel betrayed by his move to a country where same-sex relationships are illegal and can result in the death penalty.
Jordan Henderson’s LGBT+ support has been questioned after his move to Saudi Arabia
Henderson was an ally of LGBT+ groups and the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign
‘It was not about criticising the people of Saudi Arabia or criticising players for going there. It is their decision and they are free to move wherever they want.
‘But what Henderson has done is contrary to what he has said and makes me believe his allyship was not genuine.’
Al-Ettifaq were accused on social media of greying out Henderson’s rainbow captain’s armband in their official announcement video.
Indeed, a host of accounts claimed the club had edited several photographs to decolourise the armband widely sported by players to support Rainbow Laces.
‘He wanted to support a minority, the LGBTQ community, and now he’s getting paid by a state that wouldn’t even show the captain’s armband he wore, because the rainbow symbol might have upset people,’ Hitzlsperger added.
‘That is very difficult for me to understand.’
Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay in 2014, has questioned Henderson’s motives
A number of supporters on social media drew attention to the greyed-out editing of Henderson’s rainbow armband in Al-Ettifaq’s video announcing his transfer
Liverpool’s Club Supporters Board, which includes representatives from Kop Outs – the LGBT+ group – insisted Henderson’s move caused ‘hurt and division’.
‘Jordan Henderson was a true captain and true leader for Liverpool on and off the pitch,’ a statement read.
‘We know he did much to promote inclusion on and off the pitch. He stood out as a principled footballer.
‘We are therefore very disappointed by his decision and the hurt and division it has created.
‘The very essence of the Liverpool supporters board is to be inclusive and ensure all Liverpool fans, whatever their faith, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability can attend and enjoy football.
‘That’s what we want for fans, that’s what we want for football. We stand in solidarity with our allies from Kop Outs, Liverpool’s LGBT+ Fans Group.’
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