Manchester United defender Harry Maguire's 'proper fans don't boo' comments criticised

Harry Maguire has been criticised after he claimed England supporters who boo the team's players aren't "proper fans".

The comments came after Maguire's international teammate Jordan Henderson, 33, faced a hostile reception after starting England's 1-0 win over Australia at Wembley last Friday evening following his summer move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. The Sunderland-born midfielder had been a vocal advocate for LGBT+ issues during his time at former club Liverpool.

However, his summer switch to Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by former England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, saw him move to a country where LGBT+ people face the death penalty. It has been seen as a highly controversial move by the central-midfielder.

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Nevertheless, United defender Maguire, who helped England clinch qualification for next summer's European Championship in Germany with a 3-1 win over Italy on Tuesday night, in which Henderson stepped off the bench, has launched a passionate defence of his colleague.

Maguire told Sky Sports: "Proper England fans don't boo players. Don't boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them and the fans and their families.

"I know a lot of top, top England fans and I know the England fans who have been with me ever since my debut. They're right behind me and they're right behind Jordan as well. You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren't England fans."

Maguire's comments prompted a response from Three Lions Pride, a fan group for England's LGBT+