England captain Jordan Henderson could face protests from angry fans if he plays against Ukraine on Saturday. LGBTQ supporters are planning to turn their backs on the stands in opposition to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, who have been linked to human rights abuses.
The protest is being organized by Pride in Football, an alliance of LGBTQ fan groups, who are calling for action against Al-Ettifaq due to their alleged involvement in the persecution of LGBTQ individuals. The group has urged England fans to join them in showing their disapproval by turning their backs during the game.
Al-Ettifaq is owned by Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority, which has faced criticism for its treatment of LGBTQ people. The kingdom has strict laws against homosexuality, and reports of persecution and discrimination continue to emerge.
Pride in Football has previously called on FIFA and UEFA to take a stronger stance against clubs and countries with poor human rights records. They believe that hosting international matches in countries with questionable records sends the wrong message and undermines efforts to promote equality and inclusivity in football.
This protest comes after England players took a knee before their Euro 2020 matches to show solidarity with the fight against racism. However, some fans have booed the gesture, leading to a divisive debate about the role of politics in football.
Henderson, who is known for his support of LGBTQ rights, has not publicly commented on the potential protests. It remains to be seen how many fans will participate in the demonstration and what impact it will have on the match.
The England-Ukraine match is a crucial quarter-final game in the Euro 2020 tournament, with both teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals. The match will take place at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, July 3rd.
It is unclear whether the protest will influence Henderson’s selection for the game or how it will affect the atmosphere in the stadium. The England captain will have to navigate this potentially contentious situation as he leads his team in their pursuit of European glory.
