London (AFP) – England football coach Gareth Southgate criticized his country’s fans who booed the midfielder who moved to Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson, during the friendly victory over Australia 1-0 on Friday in London.
Published on: 10/14/2023 – 10:11 Last updated: 10/14/2023 – 10:09
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Southgate expressed his anger at the abuse suffered by the England captain instead of Harry Kane, who rested after leaving in the second half of the match, which was watched by about eighty thousand spectators at Wembley Stadium.
Controversy arose over the participation of Henderson, who moved from Liverpool to the Saudi Al-Ettifaq with a huge salary estimated at $915,000 per week, as he was criticized for letting down the gay community after he had previously expressed their support, while homosexuality is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
Southgate fielded a reserve squad, preferring to rest most of his key players, as he is awaiting a hot summit against his Italian guest, the champion of the Old Continent, next Tuesday at Wembley Stadium in the European Cup 2024 qualifiers, where the “Three Lions” team hopes to secure the qualification ticket to the finals.
The England coach said, “I don’t really understand it. He played 79 international matches with England. His commitment and what he gave to England are exceptional.”
He continued, “His role in this group is very important. He is a wonderful example of his professionalism.”
He added, “I know what the outcry is about, but this defies logic. I am incredibly impressed by the impeccable morals of all the people in this country.”
© 2023 AFP
2023-10-14 08:11:05
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