Abebayo Akinfenwa sent off for 'scuffle' 32 minutes into Wycombe Wanderers debut
Wednesday 13 July 2016 10:59, UK
Adebayo Akinfenwa had a Wycombe debut to forget after being sent off just 32 minutes into a pre-season friendly with French side Le Havre.
The man dubbed football's 'Beast', who joined Wanderers after being released by newly-promoted AFC Wimbledon, reacted after a player from the Ligue 2 side made a crunching tackle on Dayle Southwell, before pushing midfielder Luke O'Nien.
Wycombe's official Twitter account described a "scuffle" that occurred after weight-lifting fan Akinfenwa "stood up for his team-mates".
Le Havre's antagonist was also dismissed, though the referee allowed both managers to bring on substitutes to ensure an 11-a-side game continued.
The match finished 1-1 after Aaron Pierre struck a late goal for the League Two team.
"Was not the start I was looking for even though the sending off was dubious," Akinfenwa later tweeted. "I should have known better but guess everyday is a learning day."
Akinfenwa was the hero after a stoppage-time penalty in the play-off final against Plymouth at Wembley fired AFC Wimbledon to League One for the first time but was swiftly told his contract would not be renewed.
The 16-stone 34-year-old asked managers to "hit him up on Whatsapp" live on Sky Sports after the game and Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth obliged, offering him a one-year deal.
