They don't forgive: Captain Hendo booed by fans at Wembley on his return to England
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 14.10.23. | 09:04
It defies any logic, claims England boss Gareth Southgate
Jordan Henderson received a frosty reaction following his substitution against Australia at Wembley stadium on Friday night as the Three Lions celebrated a deserved 1-0 victory.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder, who moved to the Middle East in the recent transfer window, was booed when he came off the pitch at Wembley in the 62nd minute despite the fact he was the England captain at that moment.
It's depressing that Jordan Henderson should be England captain after he
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) October 13, 2023
1. Debased his support for LGBT people by going to Saudi Arabia while pretending it wasn't for the money
2. Campaigned for a Saudi Arabia World Cup.
Evidently in football, stances often mean nothing.
Henderson, who currently plays for Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, was captaining the Three Lions for the friendly clash with Harry Kane left on the bench.
But when his name was heard over the speakers, boos reigned down.
Henderson's decision to move to the Gulf nation was highly-criticised in England considering his past vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community.
"He is a role model in the squad," said England boss Gareth Southgate after the game last night. "I don't understand it.
"I know what's created it but it defies logic that you would give a player who is playing and putting his heart and soul into playing for England... why boo him?"
"I really don't UNDERSTAND it!"😡
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) October 13, 2023
Gareth Southgate clearly not happy with England fans booing Jordan Henderson when the midfielder was substituted in England's 1-0 win against Australia!
🔗https://t.co/rkdGmIFg2U pic.twitter.com/M5VIJ2C1Px
Southgate added he did not want "to elaborate" on the reasons why supporters were jeering Henderson.
"How is [booing] going to help him or the team?", he asked. "He has got 79 caps for England - what he has delivered is exceptional.
"He has taken Jude Bellingham under his wing. He knitted things together on the field tonight in a team with not a lot of caps," concluded Southgate.
