Jordan Henderson's staggering Saudi move hit with immediate controversy as video censorship sparks backlash
Jordan Henderson has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq
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A storm has arisen online after Al-Ettifaq appeared to censor a video of Jordan Henderson.
The England international has left Liverpool to play in Saudi Arabia, with the midfielder set to pocket a massive £700,000-a-week in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Al-Ettifaq uploaded a video of Henderson celebrating his arrival.
They dubbed him a 'leader', a 'warrior' and said they were 'simply thrilled to have him' at the club.
Jordan Henderson was a big ally to the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Liverpool
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But there's now been a backlash after the Saudi Pro League side appeared to censor the video.
In numerous clips, Henderson is sporting a rainbow armband in support of the LGBT+ community.
In the video, however, the armband has been coloured in black and white - which appears to be a way of airbrushing his support for the community.
Fans reacted on Twitter, with one user saying: "Making the armbands black and white so you can't see the rainbow. We see you."
Another said: "Shameless."
"It's when they specifically have the armband selected, that's proper grim," were the words of a third fan.
And a fourth supporter said: "This is absolutely disgusting."
Henderson has long been a big ally of the LGBT+ community.
The 33-year-old was nominated for 'Football Ally' at the LGBTQ+ Awards in 2021.
And Henderson also previously sent a supportive tweet to Liverpool fan Keith Spooner during the Rainbow Laces campaign, too.
Now, many members of the LGBTQ+ community are appalled at Henderson for moving to a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
And former Reds star Jamie Carragher, who played alongside Henderson at Liverpool, believes the midfielder now has a big problem.
"Henderson has a big problem to deal with because of his previous remarks in support of the LGBTQ+ community," he wrote.
"I fully understand that criticism and it is justified.
"Jordan was heralded on the back of his speaking out, so he has difficult questions to answer, and the critical reaction towards him will have a negative impact moving forward for those communities who cherish support from high-profile figures.
"When other footballers hear the criticism directed at him, they will not say 'I can’t go to Saudi'.
"They will be told by their advisors to keep their mouth shut in case they move there in future, thus avoiding accusations of hypocrisy.
"That will equate to buying silence – a grave impact of sportswashing."
Henderson will be playing under former team-mate Steven Gerrard at his new club.
Gerrard, who has previously managed Rangers and Aston Villa, was hired by Al-Ettifaq earlier this month.
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Jordan Henderson is set to play under former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard
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Henderson joined Liverpool from Sunderland back in the summer transfer window of 2011.
He made 492 appearances for the club and won every major trophy, including the Premier League title in 2020.
Henderson reacted to his move to Saudi by saying on social media: "Delighted to announce I’ve signed for @ettifaq. New challenge ahead, can’t wait to get going. Welcome to Saudi Arabia."