Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has sparked a backlash among Reds supporters for his controversial goal celebrations in Chelsea's win over Bournemouth
Jordan Henderson of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Premier League 2026/27 match against Bournemouth
Jordan Henderson opened the scoring for Chelsea against Bournemouth(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has raised eyebrows with his controversial goal celebrations for Chelsea this weekend.
Xabi Alonso 's side cruised to victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, and it was Henderson who opened the scoring inside the first couple of minutes. It's only his second appearance of the season following his move in the summer, as he missed the early weeks of the campaign with an arm fracture sustained during the World Cup.
Henderson departed Liverpool all the way back in 2023 and moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, which certainly raised questions among some Reds supporters at the time. He then had a spell at Ajax before returning to the Premier League with Brentford for the 2025/26 campaign.
Upon his return to Anfield with Brentford on the final day of last season, the 36-year-old received a warm reception from the crowd, owing to the success achieved during his time at the club between 2011 and 2023. However, much of the goodwill from Liverpool supporters may have diminished over the summer when he opted to join Chelsea as a free agent.
After missing the start of the season, Henderson has now truly announced himself to the Chelsea faithful with a strong performance against the Cherries on Saturday afternoon. After scoring the opening goal, he registered an assist for Morgan Rogers' goal and Chelsea's second.
A third and fourth goal were added by Joao Pedro in the second half, before Henderson buried a free kick to make it 5-1 in the 70th minute. His celebration, which saw him tapping the Chelsea badge, left many Liverpool supporters seething.
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One supporter questioned on social media platform X: "Jordan Henderson of all people patting the Chelsea badge??"
Jordan Henderson of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal with Cole Palmer during the Premier League 2026/27 match against Bournemouth
Jordan Henderson scored a second goal for Chelsea in the second half against Bournemouth(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Another said: "Not nice seeing Henderson patting the Chelsea badge." Meanwhile, another pointed out: "Henderson slapping the Chelsea badge. If going to Chelsea wasn't bad enough, your reception when coming back to Anfield will be bad."
Of course, Henderson could make his return to Anfield as a Chelsea player later this month when the Reds take on the London club in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The league meeting at Anfield will not take place until the end of the campaign in May, with the clash at Stamford Bridge scheduled for early December.
The win moves Chelsea up to fifth in the Premier League standings, although that could change on Sunday, with Liverpool set to face Manchester City. A victory for Andoni Iraola 's men will see them leapfrog Chelsea, as they sit a point behind, while Everton is also within touching distance and faces Hull City on Sunday.
Henderson should be considered an undisputed legend of the club given all he achieved as captain, including a Premier League trophy and Champions League triumph. That being said, this latest incident will no doubt leave something of a bitter taste among some supporters.