Jordan Henderson’s Laughter with Dan Burn Sparks Liverpool Fan Backlash
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has drawn criticism from Liverpool supporters after a video clip surfaced showing him interacting with Newcastle United’s Dan Burn in the England national team camp. The controversy stems from Burn’s recent goal against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, a match that saw Newcastle defeat Henderson’s former club.
Dan Burn, a Newcastle defender, received his first England call-up following his impressive performance and goal against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final just last Sunday. Newcastle United emerged victorious in that clash, winning 2-1 against Liverpool and securing the trophy. Burn’s header in that game was a significant moment, and it appears to be at the heart of the current fan reaction.
Henderson, despite leaving Liverpool for a move to Saudi Arabia and subsequently returning to Ajax, was also selected for the England squad by new manager Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. This marked Tuchel’s first squad selection since taking charge, and Henderson’s inclusion, alongside fresh faces like Burn, was a talking point.
As the England squad gathered at St. George’s Park on Monday to begin preparations, a seemingly innocuous event ignited the online debate. Reports indicate that footage of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool was being shown on the big screen at St. George’s Park. Adding to the situation, Dan Burn was reportedly watching the replay, specifically focusing on his headed goal that gave Newcastle the lead against Liverpool.
In the now-viral clip, Henderson is seen alongside Burn, watching the Carabao Cup final highlights. Far from appearing somber or reflective on Liverpool’s loss, Henderson is shown laughing and exchanging jokes with Burn about the Newcastle victory and Burn’s goal. This lighthearted interaction, however, did not sit well with a segment of Liverpool’s fanbase.
The sight of their former captain seemingly enjoying a moment that underscored Liverpool’s defeat triggered negative responses from some Liverpool fans online. Many felt Henderson should have shown more sensitivity towards his former club, particularly given his long and celebrated history with Liverpool.
Here’s a glimpse of the reactions from Liverpool fans on X (formerly Twitter):
- One fan commented, “It’s not that serious, but a former Liverpool captain, and a Sunderland fan at that, laughing with a Newcastle player who scored against and beat Liverpool is kinda wild when you think about it.”
- Another user directly questioned Henderson, tweeting: “Something funny, Hendo?” expressing their disapproval.
- A third fan highlighted Henderson’s past role at the club, stating, “Our skipper once upon a time, by the way,” hinting at disappointment in his perceived lack of loyalty or respect towards Liverpool in this instance.
Jordan Henderson’s illustrious 12-year tenure at Liverpool saw him lift numerous trophies, including the Premier League title and the Champions League, solidifying his status as a club legend for many. His summer 2023 move to Saudi Arabia and subsequent return to European football with Ajax Amsterdam marked a new chapter in his career. Despite the change in clubs, his England selection demonstrates that his experience and leadership are still valued at the international level.
Tuchel Defends Henderson’s England Call-Up
England manager Thomas Tuchel has publicly defended his decision to include the 34-year-old Henderson in his squad. Tuchel emphasized Henderson’s winning mentality and leadership qualities as key reasons for his selection. “Jordan is a serial winner,” Tuchel stated, highlighting Henderson’s proven track record of success. “He’s captain of Ajax. What he brings to every team is leadership, character, energy, and personality.”
Tuchel further elaborated on Henderson’s influence within a team environment, saying, “He makes sure everyone lives by the standards. He embodies everything we try to build. We want to build a team our fans are proud of.” This suggests that Tuchel sees Henderson as playing a vital role in shaping the culture and mentality of the England squad, beyond just his on-field abilities.
The England manager also revealed details of his personal interaction with Henderson prior to the squad announcement. “We had this phone call a few weeks ago where I wanted to check in, introduce myself and see how he feels about this idea and if he was ready. It was a video call because at least you can see reactions,” Tuchel explained. He added, “For me, it was so nice to see his genuine reaction. He is a serial winner with over 80 caps and just the pure joy and how humble he was to take this decision. It was very impressive.” Tuchel’s comments underscore his belief in Henderson’s continued value to the England national team, despite the external noise and fan reactions regarding the clip with Dan Burn.
What are your thoughts on Henderson’s interaction with Burn and the Liverpool fan reaction? Do you agree with Tuchel’s assessment of Henderson’s value to England?
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