An LGBTQ+ Saudi activist has slammed Jordan Henderson over his lukewarm apology to queer fans and called on the footballer to “pay reparations” to the community. Speaking exclusively with the i, Wajeeh Lion – who describes himself as the first openly queer Saudi – said: “If he actually wants to fix his image, he needs to pay reparations. He needs to pay reparations for the Saudi LGBT community that he committed to advocating for.” The former Liverpool captain and England midfielder has been embroiled in controversy since July 2023, after he left Liverpool to sign with Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in a deal thought to be worth about £12 million ($15 million).