Harry Maguire is in the news cycle again, but this time around it is related to his national teammate, Jordan Henderson. The Manchester United defender faces backlash from the LGBT community for his support of Henderson.
The English midfielder was booed by English fans during his appearances for the national side during this international break. Harry Maguire came in support of his teammate by stating, “Proper England fans don’t boo players.”
Following his support, the LGBT community of England criticized the Manchester United player for supporting Jordan Henderson. The community isn’t backing down in voicing their opinion against Henderson.
I stand with Harry Maguire✊🫡 pic.twitter.com/f5SxQjJDFv
— Ned (@UnitedInRed92) October 19, 2023
Meanwhile, In a drastic turn of events, online fans have come to support Harry Maguire after receiving the backlash from LGBT community.
Comments like “Harry Maguire > alphabet community,” “The only time Harry is going to get the most support,” “I stand with Harry Maguire,” “For the first time ever I agree with Harry Maguire,” and “They aren’t fans he is right,” echoed the turnaround in the image of Maguire.
The only time Harry is going to get the most support
— Football Addict (@Footbal_ad) October 19, 2023
Jordan Henderson has been under scrutiny all throughout the summer due to his move to the Saudi Pro League. Saudi Arabia is known for its strict policies against homosexuality and the LGBTQ+ community.
Henderson’s decision to join a country with these policies has drawn criticism, particularly considering his vocal support for LGBTQ+ issues in England, where he has advocated for inclusivity and acceptance.
The announcement video from the Saudi club as well as Henderson’s interview with The Athletic added fuel to the fire. The England international inclusion in the squad since the move has put pressure on the current England manager Gareth Southgate.
England manager Gareth Southgate defends Jordan Henderson
Harry Maguire isn’t the only figure in the England camp that has come out to defend Jordan Henderson. England manager, Gareth Southgate, has also voiced his opinion in support of the former Liverpool midfielder.
After the friendly match win against Australia, Southgate commented on the situation: “I really don’t understand it. He’s a player who has won 79 caps for England and his commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional. He’s a brilliant role model for all of the group in his professionalism and his approach. Some people deciding to boo, I really don’t understand what that is for.”
🏴 Southgate: “Can’t understand why booing Henderson, a player with 79 caps for England…”.
“His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional. His role on and off the pitch is phenomenally important. Impossible to understand why they boo him”. pic.twitter.com/GjzgcfZDrZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 13, 2023
Southgate concluded by urging fans to stop the booing against their match against Italy. However, Henderson was booed again when it came off the bench in a 3-1 win against Italy.
The inclusion of Henderson in the squad for this international raised eyebrows. Many fans and experts believe that many players deserve his place in the squad who are playing at a higher level in European leagues. These new developments will put more pressure on Southgate to consider whether to take Henderson with the England squad when Euro 2024 comes knocking.