FA to investigate Adebayo Akinfenwa’s claims that he was racially abused during League One play-off tie
The Football Association is launching an investigation into Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa’s claims that he was racially abused during the second leg of the League One play-off semi-final .
The former AFC Wimbledon forward released a statement on Wednesday stating that he had been called a ‘fat water buffalo’ by a representative of Fleetwood Town.
"Following the conclusion of the game I learned that a representative of the opposition had repeatedly referred to me as a Fat ‘Water Buffalo’ in a derogatory tone," wrote Akinfenwa in a tweet.
"Regardless of whether or not there was deliberate racial intent by using that language and irrespective of the context in which it was used, if we are to make real and long standing change then we must strive to educate each other about these issues. We must work together to ensure those who have not and do not face racial prejudice understand that what may appear to them to be a throwaway remark can have such a big and hurtful impact.
"A Water Buffalo is a dark animal and as a black man I believe that you have dehumanised me by associating me with a dark animal as this was said in a derogatory manner."
Wycombe say that ‘fully support’ Akinfenwa’s claims, while the FA issued a short statement confirming that they will conduct an investigation into the alleged racist incident.
"We've been made aware of the allegation and we'll be investigating it further," said an FA spokesperson.
Wycombe drew the match 2-2, securing a 6-3 aggregated win over Fleetwood to reach the League One play-off final.
Akinfenwa's statement in full
"Historically I have been subjected to and have experienced abuse across a number of areas and about many things, including my size but also about the colour of my skin.
"Throughout my life I have had to deal with many forms of racial abuse, both overt racism as well as covert racism. As a footballer, I have experienced the same throughout my career, dating back to when I suffered severe and widespread racism playing in Lithuania.
"I have always vowed to stand up and have a voice when it comes to racism, believing that education is ultimately the key to a future without racial discrimination.
"Following the conclusion of the game I learned that a representative of the opposition had repeatedly referred to me as a Fat ‘Water Buffalo’ in a derogatory tone.
"Regardless of whether or not there was deliberate racial intent by using that language and irrespective of the context in which it was used, if we are to make real and long standing change then we must strive to educate each other about these issues. We must work together to ensure those who have not and do not face racial prejudice understand that what may appear to them to be a throwaway remark can have such a big and hurtful impact.
"A Water Buffalo is a dark animal and as a black man I believe that you have dehumanised me by associating me with a dark animal as this was said in a derogatory manner.
"I feel passionately around raising this because we as a sport and as society must wake up. We must do more. We must educate ourselves and understand the potential repercussions of using such language and be aware of the hurt it can cause. The bigger issue to me would be the lack of understanding as to why calling me this term would not be hurtful to me as black man, and this must change.
"Taking a knee, supporting social media campaigns and wearing a logo on our kits is a start, but it is not enough. It will not result in real and long standing change.
"The real work must start now and the only way to move forward collectively is through education.
"We must all play our part.
"#BlackLivesMatter".
