Harry Maguire: ‘Proper England fans don’t boo players’
Harry Maguire has criticised England supporters for booing Jordan Henderson during their October internationals, claiming they are not ‘proper fans’.
Henderson captained the Three Lions during Friday’s limp 1-0 win against Australia. Upon being substituted on the hour mark, he was booed off by large sections of the Wembley crowd.
The midfielder controversially left Liverpool to join Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia over the summer – a move at odds with his previous vocal support of the LGBTQ+ community. He claimed he did not know why he was jeered by supporters, while manager Gareth Southgate has also stood by the 33-year-old in recent days.
He received a friendlier reception when coming off the bench in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory at home to Italy, though some boos were still audible.
Henderson has been criticised for moving to the Saudi Pro League / Robin Jones/GettyImages
Speaking to the press post-match, England teammate Maguire – who himself has faced the brunt of intense criticism from his own fans – jumped to Henderson’s defence.
“Proper England fans don’t boo players. They don’t boo players who play for their country and dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them, the fans and their families,” he said.
“I know a lot of top England fans and they’re the England fans who’ve been with me ever since I made my debut. They’re right behind me and they’re right behind Jordan as well.
“You hear a lot of cheers, yeah a few jeers, but they’re not England fans.”
England secured their place at Euro 2024 with Tuesday’s win against Italy, qualifying for next summer’s finals in Germany.
Gianluca Scamacca had put the visitors ahead in the first half before Harry Kane levelled proceedings from the penalty spot.
After the break, Marcus Rashford fired England into the lead at the end of a swift counter attack, and Kane wrapped up qualification with a superb solo goal.
Source: 90mins
