The organisation behind the Premier League's Rainbow Laces campaign, Stonewall, have issued a statement ahead of Jordan Henderson's proposed move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 33-year-old is set to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq after a deal was agreed with Liverpool for their long-serving captain, and he could earn close to £100,000-a-day in wages in the Middle East inclusive of bonuses.
Henderson's proposed switch has generated huge interest because of his vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community in the past. He has repeatedly called for greater inclusivity in football and wore rainbow laces during England's run to the Euro 2020 final - he has also worn a rainbow captain's armband in the past while skippering Liverpool.
Homosexuality is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia as it violates the country's laws, leading many to question Henderson's decision to accept Al Ettifaq's offer.
3LionsPride, a fan group for LGBT England supporters, said in a recent statement: "Our joy for Mr Henderson when he scored against Ukraine in the Euros (quarter-final) was, in part, due to his kindness and his 'lucky' rainbow laces.
"A banner was created to commemorate the low bar he had achieved in being outspoken on our right to support England and show visibility on the pitch. If the rumours are true, then that banner will be consigned to the depths of history."
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But Henderson has now received a message of thanks from Stonewall's director of external affairs, Robbie de Santos, for his support of the LGBTQ+ community, while reiterating a hope that he'll continue to push for change in the future.
"We are grateful to Jordan Henderson for using his platform to stand up for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports and fitness, including by wearing our Rainbow Laces," Dos Santos' statement read. "In the ten years since our campaign started, public attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people in sport have improved considerably, and this is thanks in no small part to bold allyship from athletes such as Henderson.
"We can’t deny the reality of lives for the LGBTQ+ community in Saudi Arabia, and we hope that Henderson continues his work to build towards a world where sport is everybody's game."
Henderson's former Liverpool team-mate, Roberto Firmino, has already joined Al Ahli on a lucrative three-year contract, while another former Anfield hero, Sadio Mane, has agreed to join Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr - one of four teams owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Rainbow Laces release statement on Jordan Henderson's proposed Saudi move.
