Harry Maguire has condemned those fans who jeered Jordan Henderson during international matches at Wembley, stating that “proper England fans do not boo players.”
Henderson faced jeers as he left the pitch in Friday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Australia, and he expressed his disappointment about the negative reception.
The 33-year-old midfielder has faced criticism for leaving his role as Liverpool captain to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in July.
During his time at Anfield, Henderson was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights, and he recently apologized for any pain his move to a country where homosexuality is illegal may have caused.
There were murmurs of discontent when Henderson’s name was announced before the Australia match, and a vocal minority audibly jeered when he was substituted in the second half.
Some boos were also heard as he came off the bench in Tuesday’s 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying victory against Italy.
“Proper England fans don’t boo players,” he told Sky Sports.
“Don’t boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them and the fans and their families.
“I know a lot of top, top England fans and I know the England fans who have been with me ever since my debut.
“They’re right behind me and they’re right behind Jordan as well.
“You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren’t England fans.”
Henderson, who was named captain against the Socceroos, and Maguire are likely to retain the faith of Gareth Southgate despite some negative reactions, as the England boss said on the eve of the Italy game he could not pick his team on a “popularity contest”.