Jordan Henderson has openly expressed his solidarity with LGBT groups during his time at Liverpool. an impeccable note both in word and deed.
In 2019, when he won the Rainbow Lace Premier League Campaign Champion, he stated: «I'm a parent, husband, son and brother, and the idea that anyone I love and care about won't feel safe or comfortable coming to watch me play if they're part of the LGBTQ community makes me wonder what kind of world we live in.»
Painfully worthy feelings to be sure. So much so, in fact, that they later earned him a Football Ally of the Year nomination at the British LGBT Awards. It's an airy neologism, this «alliance» concept used to describe social justice activism on behalf of marginalized groups. It's also a sure way to improve your image for top-level footballers.
But how much is a sincere conviction, and how much is pure politics of gestures? Henderson has just responded by articulating the true depth of his commitment to protecting the gay community, considering a £700,000 a week contract to play in one of the very few countries where homosexuality is still punishable by death. What a soaring idealist he is. What a perfect ambassador for the oppressed.
At 33, Henderson is free to spend the fall of his career where he sees fit, especially when Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifak is handing him a ridiculously high contract. But as soon as he takes rials, he loses the right to be glorified as a man of impeccable honesty. If you're going to accept awards for your principles and values, you'd better stay true to them. Otherwise, your entire crusade will be cosmetic at best and downright selfish at worst.
Football is a game for everyone. No matter what. #RainbowLaces pic.twitter.com/wDLFgY2pp3
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) December 5, 2020
Players of Henderson's caliber are surrounded by so many sycophants that it's easy to overlook the embarrassing truth that many join noble causes because it helps raise their profile, not because they genuinely care. Yes, Henderson showed a lot of superficial concern when he told one gay Liverpool fan that he would never walk alone and wear colorful shoelaces when he scored his first goal for England in 2021. But escape to Saudi Arabia? All this sweet advertising is drowned out by the putrid stench of hypocrisy.
Because Henderson didn't just use his gay rights advocacy as an occasional prop. It became a central component of his image, even earning him an honorable mention on the Pride Power list. “We are on your side,” he said.
«Little idiots who make you feel uncomfortable have no place in football.» Well, these «short-witted idiots» are now willing to pay him the sheik's ransom as Henderson considers helping glorify a regime whose draconian stance on homosexuality is forcing gays out of the country.
Henderson is far from alone. Everyone from Cristiano Ronaldo to the Revolutionary Guard of hired golfers eventually found the Saudi blandishments too tempting to resist. But the act of the Liverpool captain is doubly egregious.
For the LGBT supporter group in Liverpool, Kop Outs, the veil is falling from their eyes. At one time they tended to regard Henderson as a hero. Today, they say they are «shocked and dismayed» that he would consider such a move.
The sense of betrayal is widespread. After all, Henderson encouraged the feeling of being made of finer moral material than many players, both through his gay rights statements and his MBE for charitable services. It's the differences that defined him. This is what makes his flirting with Saudi Arabia not only dubious, but also unjustified.
Roberto Firmino's move to Al Ahly is a deal-breaker, given that the Brazilian has never made any pro-gay statements at Liverpool. But Henderson has made such claims an integral part of his reputation. Today, you wonder if that reputation was deserved in the first place. Unfortunately, in retrospect, it looks like he was just curating the brand. A very successful brand, but now it seems terribly empty.
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