Liverpool star Harvey Elliott criticizes English football fans for booing Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott has criticized the England fans who booed former Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson during the national team’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia.
Henderson was jeered by sections of the Wembley crowd when he was substituted in the second half on Friday night. It came in the 33-year-old’s first England appearance since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq over the summer.
Responding to the boos aimed at Henderson, Elliot said to PA(h/t Liverpool Echo) that he was quite upset following the incident as the veteran star Henderson has been a source of inspiration for him.
“The booing] is upsetting, Hendo is a massive inspiration, not just to myself but to many around the world.“
The Liverpool youngster praised Henderson’s contributions to both club and country during his illustrious career. Elliott believes the midfielder deserves better treatment from England supporters for his efforts.
‘For what he has done for England and English football it’s not nice to see. It’s his decision, it’s his career. As a nation we need to get behind these players and support them. It wasn’t nice, but knowing Hendo I’m sure it hasn’t fazed him.
He’s a positive-minded player and person. He just wants to do the best for himself in his career. Everyone is behind him.”
Elliott suggested Henderson’s strong mentality would prevent the boos from negatively impacting him. But the Liverpool attacker clearly feels his former teammate warranted acknowledgement rather than jeers on Friday night.
England manager Gareth Southgate also leapt to Henderson’s defence, describing the response as “illogical” from fans. The veteran arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2011 when Kenny Dalglish was in charge. During his 12 years as a Red, his influence at Anfield has been massive. In his 492 matches for the club, he has won all major honours possible at the club level.
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Elliott is not yet a senior England international but qualified more than most to defend Henderson’s treatment due to their time together at Liverpool. His firm backing of Henderson after the unsavoury scenes indicates the midfield veteran retains huge respect within the England set-up.
