Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has issued a very powerful message defending Adebayo Akinfenwa.
The fan favourite was the victim of a libellous chant that was sung by several MK Dons fans in their 1-0 win over the Chairboys at Adams Park.
The disgusting song was heard throughout the afternoon and despite pleas from Ainsworth, Akinfenwa, who confronted the crowd about the chant, MK’s captain Dean Lewington and several loudspeaker announcements, the song was still sung.
The pride of Buckinghamshire. pic.twitter.com/CLuFkNomWK
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) January 29, 2022
Wanderers supporters did their best to drown out their Buckinghamshire rivals with boos that rang around at Adams Park.
MK have since said sorry to Wycombe for the incident, whilst their manager in Liam Manning and their chairman, Pete Winkleman, also condemned what was sung in the stands to Akinfenwa personally, with the latter accepting their apologies.
Akinfenwa spent several years at MK’s rivals, AFC Wimbledon, before moving to Wycombe in 2016.
We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to @daRealAkinfenwa for making the Bourne End U8’s visit to Adams Park very special. What a guy! pic.twitter.com/jOIdK0IF82
— Wycombe Wanderers SET (@WW_SET) January 29, 2022
Speaking after the match, Ainsworth said: “I think he went over to warm up because he was a substitute.
“He went that end as that is where the substitutes warm-up and once you warm up, you get closer to the fans.
“If he has engaged in anything, believe me, Akinfenwa would not have instigated it.
“What I want to talk about is him spending an hour after the game signing every autograph and taking every picture with the fans who love and adore him.
You hero @daRealAkinfenwa 💙 pic.twitter.com/0vevRALRVW
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) January 29, 2022
READ MORE: MK Dons apologise to Wycombe over offensive chanting
“For me, he is one in a million and I am lucky manager to have him.”
Following the match, many people have shown the popular striker much support on social media.
The 38-year-old is due to retire at the end of the season, bringing his 20+ footballing career to an end.
Ainsworth continued: “My view is that I am very disappointed with the chant that has started in recent weeks about Adebayo Akinfenwa who is an incredible individual.
“There is no place for it in football and for me, and I am glad that the ref stopped the game which makes people aware of this.
“We do not want this in football.
WWFCWOMEN U18 managed to get a selfie with the man himself. pic.twitter.com/mDsuM0WGOT
— Wycombe Wanderers Women (@WWFCWomen) January 29, 2022
READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth's analysis as Wycombe lose to MK Dons
“We are not perfect but, there’s a line and a few fans dropped below it today [January 29].
“There are children in the stadium, and I just want to keep it good and respectful.
“There is banter, there is rivalry amongst fans but sometimes it can go a bit too far and that happened today.”
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