18 October 2023 , 09:53
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Harry Maguire claims those who boo Jordan Henderson aren't "proper England fans".
Henderson was jeered during England's friendly with Australia at Wembley last Friday following his controversial summer transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. The former Liverpool captain was a vocal supporter of the LGBT+ community but is now playing football in a country where it is illegal to be gay, leaving thousands of fans feeling betrayed.
Henderson received a better reception from England fans at Wembley when he came on during the 3-1 win against Italy on Tuesday. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate asked supporters not to boo the midfielder before the Euro 2024 qualifier.
Maguire, who was taunted himself during England's friendly in Scotland last month amid his struggles for Manchester United, has now offered his opinion on the matter. His strong take will take disappoint those fans who felt betrayed by Henderson's actions.
Maguire said: "Proper England fans don't boo players. Don't boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and have special moments for them and their families."
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Maguire admitted to hearing "the cheers and a few jeers" when Henderson was introduced in the 69th minute of England's win against Italy, which secured their spot at Euro 2024 in Germany. He added: "They (those who boo Henderson) aren't England fans."
Maguire's comments come after Southgate said on Friday: "He (Henderson) is a role model in the squad. I don't understand it. How is (booing) going to help him or the team? He has got 79 caps for England - what he has delivered is exceptional."
Harry Maguire has defended Henderson (The FA via Getty Images)Do you think England fans are right to boo Jordan Henderson? Let us know in the comments below!
Channel 4 pundits Jill Scott and Joe Cole also questioned the boos before Tuesday's game. Scott said: "I don’t think we should be booing the England players at all... I don’t like to hear the boos for the players of the team we support."
Cole added: "England fans have a right to boo the players, but I thought we had put all that past us. It’s very difficult to come out here and win games for England, and you want everyone behind you and I think it’s just a case of it being left alone."
Henderson insists he has "no regrets" over his move to Saudi Arabia and claims his values have not changed as a person just because he have gone to a different country.
Henderson has also said: "It (the booing) hurts because every time you put on that shirt it’s a proud moment and I am playing for my team-mates, for my country and the fans really. So, of course it hurts but at the end of the day, that’s part and parcel."