Henderson apologizes to Liverpool's LGBT community, here's their blunt response

Jordan Henderson has been heavily criticised for going to Saudi Arabia

05/09/2023, 04:45 PM +00:00

When Jordan Henderson decided to leave Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, many fans, most of them, were very saddened as Henderson had become a club legend by captaining the team to glory and winning every trophy possible under Jürgen Klopp.

However, his departure to Saudi Arabian football also generated a wave of strong criticism towards the 33-year-old English midfielder, who for several years had been a strong advocate for the human rights of the LGBT community, even wearing the rainbow armband representing the fight for non-discrimination on several occasions with both Liverpool and the England national team.

But with his arrival in a country openly against the LGBT community, Henderson has been branded a traitor, and Henderson himself acknowledges that he understands the criticism of his decision and has even apologized for disappointing the community. "For people to say I've turned my back on them hurts me. All I can say is that I'm very sorry if they felt that disappointment," he said.

Furthermore, Jordan Henderson said that he is hurt by what is being said about him in this regard, but that he will not do something that goes against the Saudi Arabian culture out of respect for the country he now plays in, such as using some symbol for the human rights of the LGBT community. "When I hear stuff like, "You've turned your back on us," that hurts me. I do care (...) If we're all saying everybody can be who they want to be and everybody is inclusive, then we'll have to respect that. We'll have to respect everyone," he said.

Liverpool LGBT community's response to Henderson

Following Jordan Henderson's attempted apology, Liverpool's LGBT community has issued a statement claiming that the former Reds captain's apology is not enough. "No acceptance by Henderson of his role in sportswashing, trying to disguise the disgusting Saudi human rights record. This sounds more like an attempt to rebuild his "brand", sorry isn't good enough Jordan Henderson, actions speak louder than words."