Karl Robinson condemns alleged homophobia and fan incidents at Wycombe

The match at Adams Park was briefly stopped in the second half following a conversation between referee Anthony Backhouse and Chairboys goalkeeper David Stockdale, who was at the end that housed U's fans.

The official spoke to both managers, before the PA announcer relayed a message reminding supporters that homophobic language would not be tolerated.

Read the match report here

Fans of both clubs have suggested the apparent discriminatory slurs came from the away end.

Frustrated by the result? Sure. But any homophobic behaviour is not good enough. Whoever was involved needs to educate themselves, or is simply no longer welcome in society. That is by far and away the biggest disappointment of the day! #oufc

— The Fence End Pod (@thefenceendpod) January 15, 2022

Robinson did not know where the homophobic chanting came from, but condemned any discrimination.

The U’s head coach said: “Whoever’s done it is in the wrong, it’s not acceptable.

“Someone heard something that was said and if it was that obvious I’m sure they would have pinpointed the fan and they would’ve been removed.

“We have to stamp this out, it’s not acceptable.”

It was not the only unsavoury incident in the Sky Bet League One clash, with a Wycombe fan invading the pitch after Brandon Hanlan put the hosts 2-0 up in the 60th minute.

The supporter ran towards the away end, getting into an altercation with Steve Seddon on his way as the U’s left back tried to stop him.

Later on, Gavin Whyte was pushed by another home fan as he went to retrieve the ball for a throw in, with the stewards failing to intervene.

Robinson added: “A fan coming on the pitch incited a problem.

“When my player goes off the pitch a fan pushes him and nothing seems to get spoken about.

“One thing gets shouted by a fan and that seems to be the headline of the game.

“Our fans are good people. Don’t tarnish Oxford United with one person saying something stupid.

“Oxford United fans stand up for what they believe in is right and that’s their team.

Read also: Karl Robinson issues reminder to Oxford United players after Wycombe loss

“There’s a few other things that happened that will go amiss because people want to point on the negative thing.

“We know saying certain things towards any human being is unacceptable.

“You know the work that goes on at this club behind the scenes and in the community to make sure everybody lives their life in an open and honest way.

“If one person says something silly it has to be dealt with, but don’t tarnish Oxford United Football Club with one silly bit of behaviour.”

On the pitch invasion, Robinson added: “It’s funny in football how we can be constant scapegoats for people to criticise and when we try to intervene we’re in the wrong. The geezer’s an idiot.”

Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth said: “There was some homophobic abuse reported and that’s all I know.

“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.

“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.”

Wycombe won the match 2-0, with Curtis Thompson and Hanlan scoring either side of half-time.

It sent the Chairboys top of Sky Bet League One, while United fall to seventh.