Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth has condemned the actions of those who allegedly used homophobic slurs in Wanderers’ 2-0 win over Oxford United on January 15.
Just before the hour mark in the match at Adams Park, the game was briefly halted by referee Anthony Backhouse.
Backhouse had been seen listening to David Stockdale, who in the second half, was defending the goal where the away fans were situated.
Ref has just spoken to both managers and a couple of stewards. We'll find out later what that was all about
— Matt Wright (@MattyWright86) January 15, 2022
READ MORE: Wycombe sit top of the League One table following 2-0 win over Oxford United
Stockdale indicated that something had happened in the stand behind him, which led Backhouse to speak to both Ainsworth, United manager Karl Robinson, and a couple of stewards.
A stadium announcement was then heard moments later reminding fans to not use homophobic language within the ground, and those who did will be reprimanded.
All very strange. Ref called both managers over and a couple of stewards. Not sure what happened there. https://t.co/jDebQ0DD1K
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) January 15, 2022
Speaking after the win over their Thames Valley rivals, Ainsworth said: “There was some homophobic abuse reported and that’s all I know.
READ MORE: Live updates at Adams Park: Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 Oxford United
“I am proud to be in an era where people are comfortable to be reporting on that idiotic and ignorant behaviour, and I think the referee was outstanding with the way he dealt with things.
57 - Sad. We now know why the ref halted the game and spoke to both managers. It has been suggested that homophobic comments were coming from the away end. #OUFC #Chairboys #WYCvOXF
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) January 15, 2022
🔵 1-0 🟡
“He was very professional and we will see what comes of it.
“I am proud to be managing in an era where players, people, fans, and everyone are comfortable that we know what is right and what is wrong, and hopefully this can be eradicated very soon.”
Three minutes after the incident, Brandon Hanlan scored Wanderers’ second of the match to secure their first league win over Oxford since December 2015.
Incredibly disappointing to hear about alleged homophobic comments being made by Oxford fans today. Do better.
— Chairboys LGBT+ (@ChairboysLGBT) January 15, 2022
Shameful that’s we’re still seeing it, but good to hear that it wasn’t ignored and was reported by one of the Wycombe players. Absolutely no place in football for it. https://t.co/Q4ptvZ8Qw8
Chairboys LGBT+ said on Twitter: “Incredibly disappointing to hear about alleged homophobic comments being made by Oxford fans today.
“Do better.
READ MORE: Is Wycombe Wanderers vs Oxford United a derby? We looked into the fixture's history
“Shameful that’s we’re still seeing it, but good to hear that it wasn’t ignored and was reported by one of the Wycombe players.
“Absolutely no place in football for it.”
Well done @stockogk1313 #Chairboys https://t.co/aEqQq8Vim3
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) January 15, 2022
Many fans from both sides also condemned the actions of those responsible, with some also praising the actions of Stockdale, who reported the incident.
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