Wycombe and Oxford release statements following the unsavoury incidents at Adams Park
A reality TV star from High Wycombe, who identifies as an intersex trans person, believes ‘education is key’ following the alleged homophobic comments that were heard at Adams Park.
During Wycombe Wanderers’ 2-0 win over Oxford United on January 15, an announcement was made through the PA system reminding fans to not use any anti-gay slurs, after the Chairboys goalkeeper David Stockdale reported the incident to matchday referee, Anthony Backhouse.
David Stockdale (pictured against Portsmouth in November 2021) first heard the alleged slur (PA)
Following the incident, both managers in Gareth Ainsworth and Karl Robinson have condemned the language used which came from the Oxford United end, with both clubs releasing a statement revealing an investigation will begin.
READ MORE: Wycombe and Oxford release statements following the unsavoury incidents at Adams Park
However, Tia Latham, who is from the area and is best known for appearing on the reality TV show ‘Survival of the Fittest’ in 2018, believes that understanding the potential damage caused by anti-gay language could help society defeat homophobia.
Tia Latham (@officialtialatham - Instagram)
Speaking exclusively to the Bucks Free Press, Ms Latham, who was the victim of a transphobic incident in January 2019, said: “Let’s just say if one of the footballers is gay, or, refers to a part of the LGBT community, hearing something like that could make them hide in the shadows, and we don’t want them to hide in the shadows.
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 more people who are visible will allow more acceptance and they’ll be fewer situations that will arise.
“We have come a long way and things are a lot better than what they were a few decades ago, but there is still a long way to go.”
Wycombe Wanderers as a club are known for supporting the LGBT community and in December, the Adams Park outfit released a special edition rainbow kit which was available to purchase.
However, the incident that took place in stands on January 15 has started debate on whether enough is being done to tackle this form of discrimination in the sport.
That’s our manager 💙
— Chairboys LGBT+ (@ChairboysLGBT) January 15, 2022
(quotes courtesy of @bucksfreepress / @James_BFP) pic.twitter.com/LWSylKMKXS
She also questioned whether the anti-gay slur that was allegedly said at the match, was also a mask to hide one’s insecurities.
Ms Latham, who also works as a model, as well as having her own YouTube channel, continued: “I think it’s sad that this is still happening, especially at the turn of the new year as well.
“We have come so far, not just in the LGBT community, but as society as a whole, because there is much information that is available for us.
“People will then be able to achieve whatever they want to achieve without limitations.
The TV star and model helps those who have been impacted by homophobia (Tia Latham (@officialtialatham - Instagram)
“And sometimes, those who are throwing the derogatory comments around, they within themselves, might need to work on themselves personally, as they could be feeling what they are saying to someone else.
“They may be saying derogatory comments, but they could be part of the LGBT community.
Have seen that @stockogk1313 was the player who reported the comments to the referee. Good on you Stocko 👏👏
— Chairboys LGBT+ (@ChairboysLGBT) January 15, 2022
Hopefully we’ll see some action taken if it is taken further after the game.
“If you don’t understand something, Google is only a click away where you can find useful resources where you can educate yourself no matter what age you are.
“Everyone needs to be aware of what comes out of their mouth as they could impact others, because something like this could lead to be people feeling depressed or suicidal from narrowminded people as being narrowminded is a choice.”
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