Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been criticized as “ugly and disrespectful” by Montenegro international Stefan Savic after the clash with England in the Euro 2020 qualifier this week.
The Reds’ skipper came off the bench to set up the last goal of the game for Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling as the Three Lions went on to win 5-1 in Podgorica on Monday.
England’s victory was enjoyable to watch but unfortunately, the match itself was dominated by a few distasteful incidents which included racist chants from the Montenegro crowd.
Players of the Three Lions were left clearly angered by the uncomfortable atmosphere with Henderson being issued a yellow card for a flare-up later on.
After the game, Savic, who played for Manchester City during the 2011-12 season, stated that the Liverpool midfielder was “arrogant” as he “sarcastically” refused to exchange shirts at the end of the clash.
“We all know they are a much bigger team than us but sometimes I feel very bad to be playing the same sport as some players,” said Savic.
“Jordan Henderson, for example, sarcastically told our player after one normal clash he would give him a jersey after the match.
“It is ugly and disrespectful. I told him he was good enough not to act like that.
“We are proud and I’d rather play with this team and concede five goals and not with some arrogant players from England.”
It has to be said that there are no written rules which provides any judgement over whether players are to exchange shirts with men from the opposing team or not.
But the act has been traditionally carried out in football in the modern era.