England Supporters Group fiercely respond to Harry Maguire’s comments on Jordan Henderson booing

An England Supporters Group has criticised Manchester United defender Harry Maguire after he stated that fans booing Jordan Henderson at Wembley on Tuesday evening were not ‘proper England fans’.

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has faced boos during international fixtures against Australia and Italy this month following his controversial transfer to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

The midfielder appeared from the bench against the Italians midway through the second half, where Marcus Rashford scored to put the team ahead, after he was a major advocate for LGBT+ issues during his time at Liverpool.

Yet, his move to Al-Ettifaq has brought much criticism upon his prior work as he is now in a country where LGBT+ face the death penalty.

Harry Maguire came out after the 3-1 victory on Tuesday and condemned those who booed his national teammate, saying: “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. You heard when he came on the cheers and a few jeers, but they aren’t England fans.”

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These comments have sparked a major backlash from Three Lions Pride, after many of their members booed the Saudi League midfielder.

The group have accused the Manchester United defender of ‘gatekeeping’ the game and taking back to a time when LGBT+ fans did not feel welcome at games.

Speaking to The Mirror, a spokesperson for the group said: “Fans have a valid voice, and ultimately there are many actions that fans can take to show their distaste with players, teams or owners. We’ve seen superb fan action across the game in relation to all of these aspects in the past.

“Booing is never something that fans wish to do to their own team, but it is indicative of the strength of feeling around this issue and Henderson’s choices. It is clear that it is not just LGBT+ fans who think that he is a Saudi sellout.

“To say that fans who follow this team loyally home and away, and at great personal expense, are not ‘proper’ fans gatekeeps the game – how else would Maguire like fans to register their distaste?

“There’s a lack of interest in listening to the dialogue or nuance that fans and fan groups have spent their free time raising and unfortunately that means that the only way to be heard is with direct action.

“Gatekeeping football to what a player believes makes a ‘proper’ fan harks back to a time where LGBT+ fans weren’t welcome and excludes people from the beautiful game. Fans are the soul of the game, without us, there is no atmosphere.

“Attempting to silence our voice can only create a hollow environment. Why do members of the England squad feel the need to diminish the voice of fans because they seemingly don’t agree?

“Our views are very open and clear, for anyone to see. And, as always, our door remains open to constructive conversations should anybody in the England set up wish to engage.”