England’s Jordan Henderson hurt by fans’ taunt during Australia match, over Ettifaq transfer

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Englishman Jordan Henderson finally met the anger of offended fans over his transfer to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq. He was booed while being replaced on the field by another player and reacted later.

Jordan Henderson was a high-profile supporter of United Nations’ version of human rights, and criticised the treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community in some places during his days in the Premier League.

Among the things he was known for was his wearing rainbow-coloured armbands during competitions. This was why his decision to work in Saudi Arabia where a fraction of English fans think should be boycotted because of how it treated homosexuals and others was seen as betrayal to some.

‘Everybody has got their own opinion. I love playing for England,’ Jordan Henderson reacted after the match. ‘I have done for many years, that’s why I’m still here.

‘I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team, for my country. It’s not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But listen, people have got their own opinions.

‘Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive stuff and nice things said. But listen, it won’t change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.’

Gareth Southgate’s decision to include the player in England’s first squad came as a shock to some who likened it to looking for trouble. It was expected that protests could erupt in the fans’ corner during the match, but the angry section of England’s fans seemed to decide to respect other team members and save their anger for Jordan Henderson.

When the time came for him to be replaced by another player, Jordan Henderson was booed by the offended fans.

Jordan Henderson handing over the captain’s armband

Coach Gareth Southgate is likely aware that something would happen during the match but is still unhappy with what happened.

‘I really don’t understand it,’ commented Gareth Southgate after the match. ‘He is a player with 79 caps for England. His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional. His role on and off the pitch is phenomenally important.’

Jordan Henderson really knew why he was booed, but showed no sign of changing his mind about Saudi Arabia. One does not have to be a professional football player to know how bad it feels when those you are representing on the pitch boo at you after all the strength you spent for them.

‘Yeah, so… if people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine,’ Henderson went on to say. ‘Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion over when I’m playing over in Saudi. I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that.

‘Whether people believe us or not is up to them. But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything.

‘Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and keep fighting and help the team become successful.’