ADEBAYO AKINFENWA has accused a Fleetwood representative of racism after alleging they called him a “fat water buffalo”.
Fan favourite Akinfenwa issued a statement on Instagram to report the incident which allegedly occurred during the League One play-off semi-final with Joey Barton’s side on Monday night.
Akinfenwa alleges that he was called a ‘fat water buffalo’ by a Fleetwood representativeCredit: PA:Press Association
It is unknown yet if the abuse came from a Fleetwood player or staff member, but Akinfenwa says he has been “dehumanised” by the slur.
Wycombe offered the 38-year-old forward their support while The FA are aware of the allegations.
Akinfenwa – who was recently fined for wearing a Liverpool shirt to training – said: “Monday night was one of the highlights of my career with Wycombe so far as we secured our place in the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley.
“However, what should have been an evening of joy and excitement quickly turned into one of anger and frustration.
“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.”
Akinfenwa went onto say he has been racially abused throughout his career.
He added: “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.
“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.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
