Jordan Henderson of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge -Credit:Getty
Jordan Henderson of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge -Credit:Getty
Jordan Henderson could be in for a hostile reception at Anfield as Chelsea face Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The former Reds captain departed the club in good standing three years ago, but a recent act has strained relations with a portion of the fanbase.
The 36 year old wore the Liverpool armband during the most successful period of the Jurgen Klopp era. Henderson helped steer the club to Champions League glory, a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and more throughout his 12-year spell.
Yet some at his former home will feel let down by their one-time skipper, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Wednesday's fixture should Henderson feature in Xabi Alonso's starting lineup.
Henderson, who arrived on a free transfer this summer following his exit from Brentford, celebrated a brace against Bournemouth earlier this month by emphatically tapping the Chelsea badge on his chest. The veteran midfielder netted twice in a commanding 5-1 victory over the Cherries, scoring both the opening and closing goals of the contest.
His second strike of the evening was a particularly stunning free-kick curled into the top-right corner. However, his decision to publicly declare his Chelsea allegiances by tapping the club's crest did not sit well with a significant number of people on Merseyside, reports Football London .
"Jordan Henderson tapped on the Chelsea badge twice, yeah, he's a rat," read the response from one Liverpool fan account. A second added: "His behaviour tapping the badge like the club means the world to him is exactly why people don't like Jordan Henderson.
"I will never respect this Jordan Henderson guy," wrote another Liverpool fan. "Imagine tapping a Chelsea badge."
Others referred to the ex-Reds favourite as "stupid" for his action, suggesting he "got carried away."
That surge of backlash stood in stark opposition to the welcome he garnered from Chelsea's fanbase for his show of loyalty. And numerous Blues supporters were thrilled.
"Bro even tapped the badge," said one Blues supporter in response. "Proper Chels right there."
Another commented: "Can see him becoming captain."
A third Chelsea fan even envisioned a repeat of the gesture in front of the Kop, writing: "Scenes where Xabi Alonso's Chelsea defeats Liverpool at Anfield with Henderson scoring the winning goal and kissing the badge while knee-sliding in front of Liverpool fans."
If Henderson's standing back at Anfield was already on shaky ground, such a move may cut many connections altogether. However, Liverpool will do their utmost to prevent such an outcome as they pursue a fifth consecutive victory this evening, while Chelsea look to recover after a 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
