Jordan Henderson’s new Saudi Arabian membership turns rainbow armband photograph black and white

Jordan Henderson’s new Saudi Arabian soccer membership has turned a part of a color {photograph} black and white – guaranteeing his rainbow armband can’t be seen.

A burst of photographs of Henderson enjoying for Liverpool characteristic on a video from Al-Ettifaq FC to announce his signing.

One options Henderson in a match in December 2020 when – as a part of the Premier League’s LGBTQ solidarity weekend – he wore a rainbow-coloured captain’s armband.

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While many of the photograph stays in full color, the small part that includes the armband has been turned black and white by Al-Ettifaq.

Text positioned over the video reads: “Captain who sets an example in every training session and every match.”

Sky News has discovered the unique picture, confirming it initially featured the rainbow armband.

The obscuring of the armband’s LGBTQ messaging highlights how such rainbow armbands could be frowned on in Saudi Arabia, the place same-sex relations are unlawful.

The anti-LGBTQ legal guidelines within the kingdom are one purpose why Henderson’s switch has drawn criticism from Liverpool followers.

Rights activists denounce Saudi Arabia as a repressive regime the place freedoms are supressed and full equality is much from being assured for girls.

Having proven solidarity with the LGBTQ group throughout 12 years at Anfield, the 33-year-old has accepted a profitable switch to a state-funded soccer venture in a rustic with repressive legal guidelines.

LGBT+ followers’ group Kop Outs mentioned Henderson had been “tarnished”.

“He was portraying himself as aligned with respect for women and LGBT+ rights,” mentioned Kop Outs founder Paul Amann.

“That has been severely tarnished by looking to jump ship to a regime that has none of those values at its core.

“And it leaves us questioning the authenticity of any of his former commitments. That tarnishes him totally as an individual however not as a participant.”

The Liverpool Supporters’ Board mentioned: “We know he did much to promote inclusion on and off the pitch. He stood out as a principled footballer.

“We are subsequently very dissatisfied and disheartened by his choice and the damage and division it has created.”

Al-Ettifaq is managed by Henderson’s former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard.

The 33-year-old initially rebuffed the method nevertheless it appears it was too profitable to show down, with reviews he’ll triple his present £200,000 per week wage.