Gareth Southgate, the England manager, acknowledges the criticism faced by Jordan Henderson from LGBTQ+ rights campaigners regarding his move to Saudi Arabia. Henderson, who scored his first World Cup goal for England in a 3-0 win against Senegal, joined Al-Ettifaq in July for a deal worth £12m plus add-ons.
Southgate understands the complexity of the situation, stating that he can’t judge individuals for their career choices, whether in football or any other industry. He believes that Henderson’s move doesn’t necessarily mean he’s changing his beliefs and views. Southgate questions whether it would be fair to apply the same scrutiny to other aspects of life, like working for companies owned by Saudis or buying oil from Saudi Arabia.
Henderson has been a longstanding supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and participated in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign two years ago. However, LGBTQ+ fan groups, like Pride in Football, have expressed disappointment in his decision, considering the criminalization of same-sex sexual activity in Saudi Arabia, which even carries the death penalty.
Southgate empathizes with the argument raised by LGBTQ+ campaigners and admits that it is challenging to gauge whether Henderson’s move means he no longer supports the community. While there are concerns about how this move might affect Henderson’s place in the international squad, Southgate dismisses the idea of ruling anyone out based on where they play and emphasizes that their performance on the field will be the decisive factor.
In the end, Southgate believes that Henderson’s performance in the Premier League and Champions League will remain the primary assessment criteria for his level of play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LGBTQ+ rights.
Q: Why has Jordan Henderson faced criticism from LGBTQ+ rights campaigners?
A: Jordan Henderson faced criticism from LGBTQ+ rights campaigners due to his move to Saudi Arabia, where same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and the death penalty is a possible punishment.
Q: What is Gareth Southgate’s stance on the criticism faced by Jordan Henderson?
A: Gareth Southgate understands the concerns raised by LGBTQ+ campaigners but believes it is a complex situation, and he can’t judge individuals for their career choices.
Q: How does Gareth Southgate view Jordan Henderson’s support for the LGBTQ+ community after his move?
A: Southgate thinks that Henderson’s move doesn’t mean he no longer supports the LGBTQ+ community, but he acknowledges that people might perceive his actions differently.
Q: Is there a possibility that Jordan Henderson’s move will affect his position in the England squad?
A: Southgate dismisses the idea of ruling out players based on their location and emphasizes that Henderson’s performance in the Premier League and Champions League will determine his selection.
Q: What has been Jordan Henderson’s history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights?
A: Jordan Henderson has been a longstanding supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and was involved in Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign during his time at Liverpool.
Q: How many appearances has Jordan Henderson made for England?
A: Jordan Henderson has made 77 appearances for the England national team and scored three goals.
Q: What was the value of Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia?
A: Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq was in a deal worth £12 million plus add-ons.
More about LGBTQ+ rights.
- BBC Sport – Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia
- The Guardian – LGBTQ+ rights campaigners’ criticism
- Talksport – Gareth Southgate’s comments on Henderson’s move
- Pride in Football – LGBTQ+ fan groups’ response
- Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign
5 comments
wow, this is sum serious stuff! henderson’s move to saudi arabia’s got lotsa people talkin’. sum say he’s lost respect from LGBTQ+ comm, but southgate defends him, ya know? complex situation, gotta see how he plays.
jordan hendrson scored in the world cup for england! but now he’s facin’ criticism coz of saudi move. LGBTQ+ rights groups r upset. southgate says he still supports, but tough situation.
jordan henderson, saudi arabia, LGBTQ+ rights – mixin’ it all up! southgate gets the fuss, but he aint judgin’. let’s see how he does playin’ there, might not affect england spot.
whoa! henderson’s saudi deal causin’ trouble with the LGBTQ+ crowd. southgate says it’s complex, man! he’s still an ally, but peeps r divided. tough decision, dude!
henderson’s world cup goal – amazin’! but now, saudi move got the LGBTQ+ peeps riled up. southgate understands, but won’t judge. hope it don’t affect his england place!