FA to investigate after Adebayo Akinfenwa claims he was called a ‘fat water buffalo’ in play-off tie

Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa has alleged that he was called a “fat water buffalo” on several occasions by a representative of Fleetwood Town during Monday night’s League One play-off semi-final, which left him feeling angry, frustrated and dehumanised.

Akinfenwa issued a statement on his Twitter profile on Wednesday to reveal the allegation, having been informed after the match of the incident, and he believes that the name was racially motivated.

The Football Association has been informed of the allegation and has launched an investigation, but Akinfenwa spoke publicly of the incident to express his hurt and anger.

"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,” Akinfenwa wrote.

“However, what should have been an evening of joy and excitement quickly turned into one of anger and frustration.

“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 a 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 a 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.

"I believe it dehumanises me as a black man by associating me to a Water Buffalo, a dark animal, in a derogatory manner.”

The 38-year-old threw his support behind the Black Lives Matter campaign to fight racial inequality around the world, and though he believes that the current action being taken both in and outside of football is a start in combating racism, he says it is not enough.

“I feel passionately about raising this because we as a sport and as society must wake up,” Akinfenwa added.

Adebayo Akinfenwa

“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 a 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.”

Wycombe issued a brief statement on Twitter to say they “fully stand by (their) players and supports all campaigns to end discrimination”, while the FA confirmed they are looking into the matter.

"We've been made aware of the allegation and we'll be investigating it further,” said an FA spokesperson.

Fleetwood Town have not commented on the allegations.