Jamie Carragher warns LGBTQ+ ‘ally’ Jordan Henderson he’ll face ‘criticism’ for Saudi Arabia move

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is setting himself up for criticism if he accepts a big-money contract to join up with Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League. 

Henderson is thought to be on the verge of accepting an offer from Al-Ettifaq, which will see him paid £700,000-a-week for his services, under new manager and Liverpool legend Gerrard.

The 33-year-old has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, while homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia – and Carragher believes this opens Henderson up to issues if he moves to the country.

In response to a fan question on Twitter, Carragher replied: ‘The money is difficult to turn down hence why virtually no one has, a great servant & player for Liverpool. 

‘He will get criticism because he got a lot of praise for his stance on LGBTQ+ in the past. 

Jamie Carragher tweeted that Jordan Henderson will get criticism for supporting gay rights

Carragher’s friend Steven Gerrard is now manager at Al-Ettifaq, who want to sign Henderson

Henderson has previously earned praised for his support of members of the LGBT+ community

‘Not a player in his prime but again a big statement to get the Liverpool captain to the Saudi league. A good deal for Liverpool also.’

Henderson was nominated for ‘Football Ally’ at the LGBT+ Awards in 2021, after sending a supportive tweet to a Liverpool fan during the Rainbow Laces campaign, and a message of support to an overtly queer England fan attending a match at Wembley.

LGBT Liverpool fan group Kop Outs have expressed concerns that Henderson is now considering a move to Saudi Arabia, despite previously being described as an ally, and hit out at Gerrard for accepting the job, contradicting his stance with a former gay teammate in MLS. 

The group wrote: ‘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 & that regularly tops the world death sentence table?

‘Gerrard’s participation in this sportswashing is particularly galling given his previous support for LA Galaxy teammate Robbie Rogers. 

Liverpool LGBTQ+ fan group Kop Outs blasted Gerrard for accepting the job in Saudi Arabia 

‘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.’

Jurgen Klopp is looking to rejuvenate his midfield at Liverpool, and needs funds to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia from Southampton – which would be boosted by the sale of Henderson.

The 33-year-old is also likely to see a reduction in match opportunities, with Liverpool reinvesting in their midfield as they try to get back among the top four in the Premier League after finishing fourth last season.