Upset about Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi? It’s a fundamentally Christian response

The Liverpool star’s move to Al-Ettifaq is the latest sports story to draw criticism over human rights issues. But those rights we champion as a secular society are deeply rooted in a Christian worldview 

Liverpool captain and England footballer Jordan Henderson is on the verge of completing a move to Saudi Arabia. The BBC recently reported that Liverpool had agreed a deal in principle worth £12m plus add-ons to sell the 33-year-old to Al-Ettifaq, now managed by former Liverpool and England captain, Steven Gerrard. 

But Henderson has received scathing criticism from LGBTQ+ campaigners over the proposed move. The player has publicly supported the LGBTQ+ community in the past, even wearing rainbow laces during England’s Euro 2020 matches. Many in the community feel betrayed by what they say is “hypocrisy” on Henderson’s part.

Pundits and prominent football journalists have also voiced their condemnation of the 33-year-old, with Sky Sports News’ senior reporter Melissa Reddy saying he has “folded at the first chance to make a stand”.