Oxford United will work with Wycombe Wanderers following the alleged homophobic slurs that were said during the Yellows’ 2-0 defeat at Adams Park on January 15.
Just before the hour mark with the score at 1-0, Chairboys goalkeeper David Stockdale indicated to referee Anthony Backhouse that a comment had been made in the stand behind him, which was where the Oxford supporters were situated.
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 🟡
Once telling the referee, Backhouse spoke to both managers in Gareth Ainsworth and Karl Robinson on what was allegedly said, before a tannoy announcement was made reminding fans to not use homophobic language or comments in the vicinity.
Moments later, Brandon Hanlan scored to wrap the victory for Wycombe, their first over Oxford in the league for six years.
However, more unsavoury scenes followed as a spectator ran onto the pitch and clashed with a couple of United players.
Club statement. https://t.co/0ul4lTidS9
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 15, 2022
In a statement that was published on January 16, OUFC said: “Oxford United will wait for reports to be completed but will work with the safety team at Wycombe Wanderers and all of the relevant authorities to investigate allegations of homophobic comments during today’s game at Adams Park.
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
“The club will examine all of the available evidence but would like to state as clearly as possible that discrimination of any kind is not acceptable at matches, home or away, or on social media.
READ MORE: Wycombe sit top of the League One table following 2-0 win over Oxford United
“Oxford United remain committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all supporters and will not tolerate any form of discrimination.”
— Archie⭐️⭐️🇺🇦 (@oufcarchie) January 16, 2022
Both managers have condemned the comments that were allegedly said, whilst others have praised David Stockdale for reporting the incident to the referee.
Wycombe also released a statement on the same day, saying: "Wycombe Wanderers were delighted to welcome its biggest crowd of the season to Adams Park on Saturday, and thank both Chairboys and Oxford supporters for coming along to play their part in another absorbing afternoon of League One football.
Has to also be said, well done to @wwfcofficial for acknowledging and announcing it over the tannoy. Very easy for homophobia of any kind to be brushed under the carpet. A shame it got to that point in the first place, but proud to see the way the club have reacted as it happened
— Chairboys LGBT+ (@ChairboysLGBT) January 15, 2022
"The club are, however, investigating a small number of incidents which occurred throughout the day in relation to discriminatory abuse, pitch incursions and crowd disturbances.
#Chairboys are investigating a small number of incidents which occurred throughout yesterday's match in relation to discriminatory abuse, pitch incursions and crowd disturbances.#WYCvOXF
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 16, 2022
"The safety and wellbeing of everyone in the stadium - players included - is paramount at all times.
65 - A fan has now gone into the pitch. It’s all going off at Adams Park
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) January 15, 2022
🔵 2-0 🟡 pic.twitter.com/N8yJWzDrCJ
"The club also has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination, and applauds those who have reported incidents involving homophobic and racist language.
Well done to @stockogk1313 for calling this out and to the @wwfcofficial players for making a stand against homophobia in football 🏳️🌈⚽ https://t.co/XuyBfc11CN
— Natalie Washington (@Transsomething) January 15, 2022
READ MORE: Ainsworth's analysis on Oxford win: Formation, change of system and having no Sam Vokes
"Each incident is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken.
"Wanderers would also like to publicly thank both sets of supporters for a poignant mark of respect in the 29th minute for Alana Hurford, a young Wycombe supporter who passed away recently."
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