"I heard monkey chants" | Adebayo Akinfenwa opens up on the racism he faced in Lithuania
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
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Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa opened up to Sky Sports about the abhorrent racism he faced whilst playing professional football in Lithuania as a young player.
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Storytelling is an underrated skill
If you've got story's to tell
@@cameronjeffrey7697 life is all about stories
@@fin5317 Without stories, there is no life
By who? Our best storytellers are millionaires
@@iiNeedSkins Everybody has an intresting story, but that doesn't mean they will be listened to.
The streets won’t forget this lad
The gym won't forget him aswell
England won’t forget him too
FIFA players won't forget him too
@@musashi5167 true that🤣
@@Ahmedinho10 never✊🏾
As a Lithuanian I am so embarrassed. I didn't witness this situation myself, but I can believe it. I could imagine my people do something like this and that's dissappointing.
20 years ago were different times. You don't need to be ashamed.
There's plenty of it in the UK. Don't worry.
It’s sad knowing that our country is riddled with racists
@@BitWise501 but lithuania is still 20 years behind from central Europe When it Comes to Race, skin Color, Religion etc. at least they let women do the goverment job, Hope they catch up soon! Its still a beautiful country.
@@leoschnold770 Not sure what are you talking about. We caught up like 10 years ago.
Lithuania isn't a religious nation.
There never were or is any institutional racism.
Racism was only based on ignorance and people not educated on this matter. Or just because of curiosity about black culture reflected in movies, so people wanted to get reactions of people saying stupid things. Now it's not a thing.
Also, we never had any problems with women.
What a legend man. So disappointing to hear what black people have to go through at times. I really hope we've improved but there's still a long way to go. Respect to the guy though, most people would be on the first plane home. Strong mentality
not all the time
Well said.
@24 7 so do white people 🤦♂️..
@@aintworriedboutnothing7598 But it's not from systematic oppression
@@efancording6363 the system was designed for us all to suffer, so Every race suffers from systemic oppression. Facts!! 🧠
enormous respect for Akinfenwa. Racism is disgusting
@Europa Erwache! So you can’t be proud to be white and also think racism is disgusting ....?
@Europa Erwache! they are all races are equal
@Europa Erwache! i hope that isn’t your real name 😂
Stop listening to rap music and feeling American and you will not get offended by America insults
@Europa Erwache! how and why should they not. Explain
I met him before I said to him “Sign for Sunderland” and this guy is an EFL legend he’s played in all 3 divisions now needs to do Premier League
He's getting quite old now tbh
Unless wycombe get promoted he's got no chance
@@geckopubg he needs to join Swansea
@@geckopubg his contract expires in 2021 so maybe not
In Swansea wasn’t they in premier league when he was there?
Imagine being 18, in your first job, having to deal with that...
Stop listening to rap music and feeling American and you will not get offended by America insults
@@lavanniek what?
Yeah I was 16 and had to deal with the Left’’s anti white sentiment CONSTANTLY. In my school, in my workplace on TV everywhere. Not only that but we live in a society that justifies it. That is truly scary. A misleading narrative is being shown by the Left and they do it for votes. The project certain groups as “victims” but NEVER APPLY the same rules and protections to groups that don’t vote for them - strange uh?
Is doubly worse to be white. So please cut the crap.
@Porrada Everyday well said 👍
@Porrada Everyday Someone with some damn sense
Akinfenwa is the strongest football player in the World.
So teue
Edit : true*
He’s a legend
I was about to say this
@@Ryan_MG Beat you to it 😉
INFORM... AKINFENWAAAAAAAAA!
mad respect for akinfenwa. takes a lot for a person to talk about the problems they've faced involving race or other factors of discrimination
Does it though? Does it really take a lot to talk about it? It’s all anyone seems to want to talk about these days
Stop listening to rap music and feeling American and you will not get offended by America insults
@@lavanniek huh
huawei thirteenmegapixel I speak nothing but facts. Either try dmt or wait until it’s your time and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
huawei thirteenmegapixel you’re a hungry ghost empathy doesn’t live inside you and dmt would show you that
Akinfenwa is a EFL icon, outside of football such an straight up and honest bloke. Big respect 👍
“I don’t want people to see me as a footballer, I want them to see me as a person” it’s impossible to dislike this man
This is the best interview I’ve ever seen. You can feel the honesty in Akinfewa
Imagine being 18, in your first job, having to deal with that...
As a Lithuanian, it’s embarrassing to hear about racism. Same happened with Paulinho, and same happens in basketball.
Is anything being done about it in Lithuania?
@@andreruan2825 clubs get fined and fans get banned even for swearing at their own country men. Racism is an issue for our country because under soviet occupation it was common to use the n word as a reference to blacks
Your country is disappointing
@@logan_107 every country has racism.
@@Schnitzellover12345 but quite a lot of your country’s people act as if they have never heard of black people before just shows how developed Lithuania is.
(3:53) "I landed over and all you saw was white"
Me, ten seconds later: Oh, he's talking about snow.
actually most of darker tan people were in diplomatic missions, professional athletes or artists of something. If you were not traveling abroad , which was hard to do at that time, you would have no chance to see a person with totally different skin shade. I mean some guys from Spain, Italy or Portugal would go same or similar amount of unwanted attention and labeled as a guest from "far unknown lands" but not European.
I used to play for FK Atlantas 1/5 years ago and the club veterans are joking around and are happy that you have played for the club before. They still talk about you even today
What is ur name
@@dreadams1036 Daniel Ali Tek
your 16
Lol
@@sophiebrown8358 ye why?
Disappointed at my fellow Lithuanians to hear the horrible stuff they said to you. Stay strong, love from Lithuania❤
disappointment of a country
@@georgegregory8441 yes
Despite the pure ignorance and bigotry of your country you Lukas are not a sheep, you do whats right. Respect.
@@yabombo8145 there’s no respect there
I dont get how from one persons experience about a country you can all have the audacity to hate on an entire country when every place in the world has bad people somewhere. So fucked up how people ruin my countries image
What's funny is that he could've absolutely bodied any of them, even at 18.
@huawei thirteenmegapixel no idiot. because he’s a big lad, even at 18
@huawei thirteenmegapixel Great bait, man. Don't be a race baiter.
@huawei thirteenmegapixel mate you’re mad. Why do u think they are saying that because he’s black? he’s just generalising. if someone step to Tyson fury most people will say Fury will wipe the floor with them as a he’s a big guy and a boxer. if someone said the same about say Jason Statham they’ll be saying that, not because of his size but because he’s a martial artist. They are clearly saying that about Ade because compared to the average guy he’s big. if you’re big the odds are much in your favour in a fight.
Clearly you know nothing about how Eastern Europe works. He's be minced even if he was double the size.
Yes the ppl of east Europe are very strong, very athletic, strength in there power lifting to boxing, but what lets there athletism and strengths down is they tend to be on a large scale on illegal performance enhancing steroid related drugs!!, and has been for very long time until of recent testing had been introduced in boxing, tennis, gymnasts, track and field especially. Blk ppl I'm sure may of had 1 or 2 handfuls of drug performance but are naturally athletic, strong, fast, agile through good food, diet, weather n climate of habitat, etc. The strength has been proven many times in the ring, or the ball court for eg, but rythmn, stamina, skill, life experience has a play in it.
Big man u made me emotional ❤️ . Wow 😭 this was just pure heart to heart talk . U can never know what each of us goes through by looking from the outside . Be considerate and kind it takes effort but saves everyone a whole lotta time . Cheers we need more vids like this .
Racism has no place in our beloved game or anywhere.
@Europa Erwache! he’s right tho
@Europa Erwache! what so you want racism in our game??
Stop listening to rap music and feeling American and you will not get offended by America insults
@@lavanniek You are irrelevant. Remember that.
@Europa Erwache! edge lord
He's even wearing a dragon ball z shirt 😂👍
Ain't no doubting this man's power level.
Proud to be your 69th like
Ghey
@@ag-bf3ty Over 9000 anyway
@@chillywilly541 was just about to say that
Can we all just take a moment to think about how powerful what Bayo's son said was. Mad respect for anyone who can keep loving when they suffer this. Be part of the change not the problem. To the big man himself, i idolise your strength of character and such a great role model to everyone regardless of race
This was absolutely fascinating, and I really want more exposure of stories like this. This is part of the healing and growing process.
Ps; the more Akinfenwa talking football, the better. He's brilliant on camera.
We need more stories of success
Massive respect to this man, he's a real one. It's harder and harder to find people like that these days
Watch all the racists disagree in the comments
Efan Cording Yet to see a single comment disagreeing in all honesty
Yup🤙🏻
@@bigal9342 There will be, unfortunately
Ikr
@Diddler Dee Who?
Respect him highly for being able to share emotions like that on air
This guy could get anyone to like him. What a lad
This made me emotional 😪 by far one of the most powerful interview on sky sports
I remember going to Ukraine for a stag do and meeting some local girls getting along great and the minute I told them I was English they threw their drinks all over me. That made me feel so small and insecure. And that’s just my nation.
I can’t even IMAGINE what it feel like to be judged without saying a word purely based on the melanin count in your skin, like what Akinfenwa has been through and little goth girls saying ‘White Power’, without him even saying a word. I literally can’t comprehend people that think this way and I ain’t fishin for compliments it’s just baffling how people minds can function in this way.
Big up Akinfenwa though the kind of lad I’d love to have a pint with (and have in my 5-a-side team!!)
SAY NO TO HATE WE’RE ALL PART OF THE BEST RACE IN THE WORLD THE HUMAN RACE
Respect to you mate sorry that happened. Those countrys seem to be 40 years behind the times. What i hate most in this world is me being less than whites for a factor no one can decide.
@@yabombo8145 fr dawg, Eastern Europe is pretty backwards, I wish racism didn’t exist, but oh well, we poc gotta keep fighting for equality
Wait I don't understand they only did that cos ur English?
@Ursus Maritimus it is in eastern europe. r u stupid?
@Ursus Maritimus Englishman can only be white buddy
Man, when his autobiography is out, ill be there.
it's out, I've got it!
@@stovescancook really? When was it released? Recently?
@@joshgoncalo6621 I got it last Christmas time. It's called 'The Beast' - sure it's on Amazon or something 👍
@@stovescancook ah love that! Cheers for informing me man :)
He played for my beloved Torquay and the fat jokes were present from some ignorant fans but luckily never any racial abuse, I can't imagine the mental strength he must have to deal with racism of that scale, he ended up coming out a legend of the game and a great spokesman for the sport
Love you Bayo my brother, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through these horrible things but the person you have become is so beautiful and you can only thank those horrible people for creating the character you have today ❤️
Really sorry to hear what you went through mate. I really respect the way you handled it. Such a good point to not carry weight to what idiots say. But things need to change. Glad we are talking about this a lot more now and more action needs to be taken.
It's amazing how powerful his words are...I have never experienced something like this but it's truly heartbreaking, especially to someone who respects Akinfenwa as I do.
AKINA AKNIA AKINA FENWAAAAA ABSOLUTE GOAT
Is now
Absolutely inspirational man, that abuse is abhorrent but to be able to overcome shows his strength in character.
Eye opening interview
Big big respect for this guy u are awesome and what uve went through has made u this such an amazing person wee have before us this day, keep it up big man
Ashamed people in lithuania but everywhere still judge people by their skin like how can people judge until they personally know them. Dont worry akinfenwa you are a great player and have lucky to see you play a game against POSH. Love from a lithuanian in england!
The mindset of having a sense of racism is a sad mindset to have
Amazing storyteller. Most people don’t do it that well, but his style is captivating
What he had to go through was unacceptable he seems like such a nice guy
What annoyed me the most about this is I was speaking to some people and they wanted to defend the people or the girl. “They’ve never seen a black person “ “ she’s young “ “ if she was black it wouldn’t be as bad” people are so ignorant it’s unbelievable.
They are insecure and lacking empathy. They turn away from pain because they’re afraid when really what makes us human is being able to turn towards pain with compassion & care. You’re in the right direction all you can do is try to guide the ones around you
What a shame that people would and will defend the indefensible.
They obviously weren't _that_ ignorant as they knew all the right insults to use. That girl had been taught what to say- that's not pure "Ignorance": it's a poisonous culture.
@@gonufc no, its called living in a white country, Eastern europe is not like the west, its just us, whites with different cultures and languages, no africans like in your Britain.
@@chroamex3892 Hmm, so why try to insult people? Doesn't that suggest something is wrong?
Normally casting insults at someone you don't know in the street because of their appearance comes across badly and suggests there's something wrong with that person. To most cultures.
If you go to some parts of Africa as a pale white person you will get stared at. You will get children who are curious, you may be asked to feel your hair or skin to see if it's somehow different by the kids.
What you won't get is a barrage of insults or insinuations that you are "Less" than them simply because you look a certain way. Now, that's a cultural difference- what you are defending is intrinsic, casual racism.
Akinfenwa is a strong dude 💪🏿
So sad to hear those stories . I can't imagine what that must be like . So revolting, treating another person in such a vile way
I Love akinfenwas pure gentle soul. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪💚✌
No room for racism
@Europa Erwache! what’s your problem bud, trying to be funny or cool?
@Europa Erwache! pussy
This is so powerful, what a man he is💪
wow.. I wasn't expecting this convo when I clicked.. I cannot express how hearing this has improved my day. Hats off for the honesty and thank you for posting this !!
I just saw his transfer history and saw he started his career in Lithuania. I thought what the hell how did he end up there in 2000 as an eighteen year old . Wow wow wow, this man was already a real man when he was just 18. Who has so much balls to go through that in this age. Greetings from Germany, I want to say more but my English is not the best. Akinfenwa a really really amazing person
This gave me chills😞💔🇿🇦
This man went through it and still managed to keep playing football, 20 years ago a lot of black players would decline, this man kept going. Very motivating & I pray for more success to this man
Stop listening to rap music and feeling American and you will not get offended by America insults
@@lavanniek shut up mate
Everyone has an autobiography, a story unique to them, that has shaped their life. Opening up makes us feel free, yet vulnerable.
You’re a warrior in the entire meaning of the word Ade! Such a legend man! Wow ❤️💯
So strong, so true and so powerful big love Bayo❤️
Huge respect for him, as a Lithuanian I can say especially that many years ago, racism was hugee, and there was very little diversity and to play and not leave takes a lot of resilience
As anything changed? Is there diversity in Lithuania now?
Massive respect, the streets will never forget him. Legend👌🏾💯✊🏾
I’m black ye. And I don’t rate black history month. Imagine every year we have to remind ourselves that we are inferiors or we were slaves, it’s all constructed to psychologically prevent us from progressing but to feel low of ourselves. When are we gonna drop the labels and escalate as a unit, these constant things will never allow that thus making racism inevitable.
Stop lying your not black
STFU
@@VeilsideSkyline stop lying you ain't Mia Khalifa
@@VeilsideSkyline Come back to Bangbros, we miss you.
cause it's not for you. it's for white people. you should know your history by now
I honestly feel so sorry for what you went through, this just shows how uncultured and unethical my country used to be. I really do believe that now the situation is much better because people, especially young ones, have a different mindset on race. This kind of racism used to be normal in the Soviet Union times, and it's really saddening. You're a strong man for speaking about this
I want racism to end. However. We live in a world with people. So racism sadly will never end
@Europa Erwache! shut up
How can you end something like that
@Europa Erwache! Little kid who thinks he’s edgy. Tip for when you grow up, being controversial doesn’t make you interesting.
@Europa Erwache! it's kinda sad your judging people by their tone of there skin
@Europa Erwache! go get a job
Very strong speech open my mind and eyes more on this situation and world
so much respect for Akinfenwas, smart guy
Really insightful and a real powerful story. Thank you
huge respect to akinfenwa for this💙🙏🏼 no matter the colour of your skin no matter the disability no matter who you are you will always be worth it everyone is equal in our own ways and more people need to understand so we can stand as one💯
Wow! This is such a powerful message. This is great that footballers are able to share their experiences now and people can think again about what they say. No one should have to deal with that. What a great guy!
what a guy, strength inside and out nothing but respect
Strongest footballer ever, mentally and physically 🧠💪🏾
The truth is this happens everywhere. Im Lithuanian and i live in Ireland and all i hear everyday is "foreigner" " stealing our jobs"
That would be because it's happening?
Irish people built Britain....because they travelled and got jobs...what's the difference?
Saying let's kill the n word is definitely the same as being called a foreigner....
@@chaosen3 yh but mate racism is racism. Just because im not being called the n word doesnt mean i should be called a foreigner every day.
@@elewis1326 I bet you're White. In that case it's not racism. You're ancestors were never criminalized for being White
This guy is the man. What an absolute legend and he’s so right about everything. Great man
Yep he seems like a cool guy, no anger in his voice just surprise and disappointment respect to him!
I’m Lithuanian and I’d never do this
We know, it's just an annoying minority. Every country has them unfortunately...
Yes you would stop lying
@@IrishGuysScarf annoying you mean disgraceful
Labas
I'm also Lithuanian
The best 31:50 spent of the week. Thanks big man
Well spoken man, i can see it he will be a good manager one day..💪💪
Such respect for this man on every level. Fantastic ambassador for humanity 👏
What I would give to see Bayo in the prem one day😫absolute legend🙌🔥
I remember him talking about this years ago with spencer fc on his old podcast
I’m so sorry to hear this as a Lithuanian, I hope our country learns and educates itself. Stay strong 💪
We need a petition to get akinfenwa an Icon card on fifa when he retires, even though he's never been in the Premier league or champions league, he's the strongest footballer around, he's loved by all of us and he's just an icon in the UK
It saddens me to this day that this still goes on, I am asian but I have rarely recieved genuine racism. I feel so sorry and bad for people that have to go through this coz everybody deserves to be liked regardless of their colour.
Stop listening to rap music and feeling American and you will not get offended by America insults
Powerful interview from a powerful guy.. 💪🙏
Being in that situation, on your own, with nobody to support you (other than over the phone) must have been terrifying. It's awful that people can treat each other like that.
Strongest man in football literally, but also one of the strongest mentally
Aayy yo my guy akinfenwa this dude is an absolute baller love u bro big up x
I don’t understand some people’s minds how is there 88 dislikes? I mean cmon why is there even any dislikes on videos like this some people just sad need to evaluate their lives fr
Probably dislike bots
I suppose a lot will feel he's trying to stay relevant,why wasn't he so voiciferous at the time?
@@g871 Trying to stay relevant? The guy has been relevant most his career and probably is one of the most relevant lower league players in football. He has abigger platform now. Who would listen to some random 18yo kid playing in Lithuania at the time?
agreed Bayo talking nothing but sense, and an amazing enlightened empathetic compassionate take on the whole subject, If there were more peeps in the world like Bayo......that would be a straight up goodness. I mean dude is even understanding where it comes from without himself judging that, which is a hard thing to do in the face of any injustice. nothing but respect for this guy
@@cso3664 probably the most relatable footballer in media eye at the moment, in effect could that in some ways make him possibly one of the most relevant? Dude is just himself and peeps feel that
Could listen to Ade talk all day.. Guy is an actually legend.
This is a good piece and what I have noticed with myself and friends of mine in the professional fields is that our individual experiences in the workplace have a very similar undertone. There will be change.
Big up to Sky for doing this letting people get an insight of what us black brothers have to go thru to make it to the top🙏🏾🙌🏾 BLM✊🏾✊🏾 Dave wasn’t lying when he said ‘we’ve always had to work twice as hard juss to even get recognised’ on his riddim black❌🧢 they don’t wanna see us win but no matter what we’ll continue to break down the walls😤😤 o’tight Akinfenwa as well he’s been on such a bumpy road to get to where he is today👊🏾👊🏾 deserves all the success he’s getting such a humble n clean hearted guy🤝🤝 but Sky please don’t only do this cah it’s black history month we need this sort of representation more to help us overcome this systemic oppression that we’ve been under for 100s of year n are still under to this day😔😔
Sorry but sky don't care well the higher ups at least they just use
Black history month for revenue BLM
@@mattycashenthusiast8928 unfortunately I know this is true😪😪 which is why I said that hopefully they don’t only shed light on this during black history month but all year round👍🏾👍🏾
The strongest, physically and mentally, footballer in the world 💪💪🏿💪🏾💪🏽💪🏼💪🏻🙌
He is a very captivating character, great to hear your story!
he is a legend and will have a bright management or tv career after football for sure
Akinfenwa has incredible intellect, true inspiration.
Get this fella on Gillette soccar Saturday when he retires!
@Andy Mil what ?
@Andy Mil who hurt you
@Andy Mil bit ironic as there arent many black people on soccer saturday
@Andy Mil 7 WORDS* dumb ass
@@Kan_dyyyy cheers for repeating what I said .
One of the best interviews I’ve listened to
Fenwa’s a G straight up real peoples.
Completely relate to how he has had to navigate thru murky waters
And he loves Liverpool would love to have a beer with this man
Brave and proud and so he should be for using this platform in such a way . Seems like a proper Gentlemen. Talking about this abuse like it doesn't happen to people even now . All the very best to this fella anyways
i am proud to be Lithuanian!
Good, I guess.
As a Lithuanian that's so sad to hear :( But look at you now! Big man making bigger moves than any those bastards ever would!
The battle against racism will be endless and constant. That is the harsh reality, but reality none the less. Keep seeing it, keep fighting it, keep educating our children. The fight goes on!
Very powerful 💥 and motivational story which relates 💪🏾 salute ✋🏾🖐🏾👋🏾💯
Watford fan but this guy is such a legend
I love this bloke he’s a legend in my eyes thanks for the vid
Akinfenwa looks like he can play both Football and American Football. He's an absolute BEAST!
this man is a hero for many, both inside and outside of football,