Jill Scott hits out at Jordan Henderson’s Saudi Arabia move and admits she wouldn’t feel ‘welcome’ to watch him play there as a gay woman

Jill Scott has slated Jordan Henderson’s decision to play in Saudi Arabia and described the England star’s commitment to playing in the nation as ‘a very sad situation.’

Henderson ditched the Premier League for the Saudi top-flight during the summer after giving up the Liverpool captaincy and accepting a huge offer to join Al-Ettifaq.

The 33-year-old has been heavily criticised for his decision to move to the nation, but recently admitted money wasn’t the main motivator behind his decision.

Homosexuality remains illegal in Saudi Arabia and Henderson has been called out by LGTBQ+ groups that he previously supported during his time at Anfield for turning his back, but he insists he is still committed to the cause.

Former Lionesses star, Scott, revealed she is uncomfortable with Henderson playing in the nation and given her status as a gay woman, feels she wouldn’t be ‘welcome’ at matches if she wanted to go and watch.

Lionesses star Jill Scott described Henderson’s decision as ‘a very sad situation’ and explained she wouldn’t feel ‘welcome’ at games in Saudi Arabia

Speaking on Channel 4 ahead of England’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine on Saturday, Scott said: ‘In terms of the morals and values, I’m a really big Jordan Henderson fan, he’s a Sunderland lad and really hard-working.

‘But for me, the fact that I couldn’t go and watch him represent his team, that’s what doesn’t sit well for me. 

‘Football for me is for everyone and the fact that I don’t feel like I would be welcome (to watch him play), that’s a very sad situation.’

Scott got engaged to long-term partner Shelly Unitt three-years ago and made history as the first openly gay woman to win the reality television show ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ in 2022.

Henderson was controversially named by England manager Gareth Southgate in his squad for ongoing European Championship qualifiers against Ukraine and Scotland.

Many argued his place in the team should have been handed to West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse given his impressive start to the new season and due to Henderson playing in a lesser league.

However, his inclusion was defended by Southgate and England captain Harry Kane as they attempted to rally round the under-fire midfielder.

England manager Gareth Southgate (left) has been criticised after picking Henderson (right) in his squad

‘I don’t pick the team based on external reaction, but he’s a very experienced professional,’ said Southgate when questioned over Henderson.

‘He is very mature at handling any situation. He’s trained really well this week. His feeling towards that community hasn’t changed.

‘I am sure all of our fans are going to get behind the team when the game starts. I am sure they will get behind Jordan when the game starts as well.’

Kane further explained that every England supporter ‘is entitled to their opinions’ but labelled Henderson as a ‘good friend and a great person.’