Liverpool LGBT+ group ‘appalled and concerned’ over Jordan Henderson’s potential Saudi Arabia move
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| Jordan Henderson's potential Saudi move has received a huge backlash (Image: Getty Images) |
The inclusive supporters group have reacted to news that their club captain is considering a move to Saudi - where both male and female same-sex sexual relationships are illegal.
Although an official bid has not yet arrived for the 33-year-old, he is believed to be considering leaving Anfield for Al-Ettifaq on a contract that could be worth in the region of £700,000-per-week.
Kop Outs released a statement via social media that said: "Kop Outs have valued the allyship shown by Jordan Henderson.
"We are appalled and concerned that anyone might consider working for a sportswashing operation for a regime where women & LGBT+ people are oppressed and that regularly tops the world death sentence table.
"(Steven) Gerrard's participation in this sportswashing is particularly galling given his previous support for LA Galaxy team-mate Robbie Rogers (who came out as gay in 2013).
"When someone's made a fortune, should money tempt them to go to work? Maybe they should be asking themselves those questions.
"We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be a man of his word and stays true to the values of our club, which so far he has been an absolute embodiment of."
The statement also mentioned club icon Steven Gerrard, who accepted the managerial role at Al-Ettifaq earlier in the month.
Henderson has been an ally of the LGBT+ community during his time at Liverpool, wearing a rainbow armband and speaking during the Stonewall campaign of 2019.
He said at the time: "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."
Okeke George Chijioke
When you don't see Okeke George blogging, he sure will engage him self in sporting activities.
