Match Attendances in the Saudi Pro League Under Focus as Jordan Henderson and Al-Ettifaq Win In Front of 900 Fans
Playing in front of 900 fans is a far cry from Anfield’s raucous Kop end. This is the reality former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson faces as he settles to life at Al-Ettifaq and the Saudi Pro League.
In Saturday’s 1-3 win away to Abha, Jordan Henderson and Al-Ettifaq played in front of an official count of 976 fans.
Al-Ettifaq, who are 5th on the table, there points behind leaders Al-Hilal, won the match comfortably with skipper Jordan Henderson lining up in midfield alongside former Liverpool teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.
In the five matches Henderson has played in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ettifaq, he has failed to play in front of a crowd larger than 14,000 people.
What Jordan Henderson is experiencing in the Saudi Pro League highlights the need for the league to take the next step in generating interest and encouraging match attendance.
The matchday atmosphere is a crucial part of football globally. This is an area the Saudi project is likely to focus on next as the Saudi Pro League emerges as a powerhouse in global football.
