Wanker of the Week: Emmanuel Adebayor

Published by William | Filed under Football (aka soccer)

“LONDON, Sept 15, 2009 (AFP) – Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor was on Tuesday charged by the Football Association with violent and improper conduct over a challenge on former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie and his provocative goal celebration.” Read More


I just couldn’t let this one go by without commenting on what a complete douche bag Emmanuel Adebayor acted like on Sunday in Manchester City’s 4-2 victory over Arsenal. His first heinous act came in the 71st when, after an attempted tackle by his former teammate Robin van Persie, he responded by kicking the Arsenal striker in the face. Although he made it appear as if it may have been unintentional, it is clear to me that there was malicious intent. Shortly after in the 80th, Adebayor scored a beautiful header to put the City boys up 3-1. During his celebration, Adebayor sprinted the length of the pitch to the Arsenal fans, slid on his knees in front of them, and basked in all his glory as the Gunner fans almost killed each other amidst their near-riot. Luckily the Manchester police were on hand to handle the situation before it really got out of control.


First, the van Persie incident. So unnecessary it’s ridiculous. One more inch and Adebayor’s cleat may have taken out the Dutch forward’s eye. How would he have felt then? Even more so, this is a former teammate of his which makes it even more absurd. Maybe the atmosphere in last year’s Arsenal locker room was that much worse than we perceived it to be. Either way, I can’t think of anything that calls for a cleat to the face. Luckily, the FA is charging him with violent intent and he will most likely be banned for a few games which in my opinion, might not be enough to get the point across.


As for the taunting celebration, I am somewhat indifferent. Adebayor claims to have been withstanding brash and personal verbal attacks all day, even before kickoff from the Arsenal fans. In particular, comments that pertained to his race and other false stereotypes that come along with being from Africa. If this is true, which I am sure it is to an extent, I can understand a little bit of pent-up anger. Furthermore, I am all about good celebrations, even if they involve taunting some fans. However, this one nearly got out of hand. Several Arsenal fans rushed down to the front of the gates and appeared as if they were ready to rush the field. Adebayor just stayed there and persisted on despite having various objects hurled at him including lighters and a foot stool (Why on earth did someone have a foot stool up there?). He should have gotten the hell out of there after he saw what kind of reaction he was creating.


All this just confirms why Arsenal and their faithful were so willing and relieved to unload the Togolese forward this offseason to Man City for a nice price. Despite losing their last 2 matches, the Gunner faithful still have zero remorse about moving the player that has been described more often than not a “cancer” in the clubhouse. Luckily, he will get banned for a few games, however he is not likely to not learn his lesson and will continue to behave in this immature fashion. If he would at least apologize to Van Persie, he may be able to get a little more respect but he has failed to do even that. For me, I am upset to have to see such an exciting player negate his entertaining talent with poorly chosen behavior on the pitch. Class, Adebayor. Give it a shot.