Anish Vij
Wayne Lineker has released a statement after his interview at Crouchfest is cut short due to ‘vile’ chants by a 12,000-person crowd.
A live version of That Peter Crouch Podcast - hosted by the former Liverpool and England footballer - took place at London's OVO Arena Wembley on 4 November 2023.
The Ocean Beach owner, and brother of Gary Lineker, was amongst the guests who were invited on stage for a chat.
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As soon as Lineker took to the stage, he was loudly abused as members of the crowd chanted slurs, such as 'p****', at the 61-year-old.
"Wayne, I want to have a chat," Crouch said, trying to ignore the slurs.
As the host began to ask about Lineker's best experiences with footballers at his Ibiza club, Manchester City's Jack Grealish was picked out as his favourite sportsman to attend.
Co-host Chris Stark attempted to divert the conversation away to another segment about the Samrat curry house in Ealing.
Taking to social media on Sunday (5 November), Lineker said the incident was 'completely and utterly devastating'.
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"I know I’m usually a bit of a joker on social media but today doesn’t feel so fun!" his statement read.
"Sooo I was invited by my good friend Peter Crouch and Chris Stark to be a guest on their iconic event Crouchfest at Wembley Arena last night ..As you can imagine I was blown away by the invitation to join them onstage and was so excited to be part of it!
"What should have been a bit of fun turned in to what I can only describe as a scene of Mob Mentality against me, thousands of people in unison calling me a ‘p****’ to be exact! Can you imagine that being you, your dad, your son, your brother, your mate or anyone you love and care about having to endure that on stage."
"Love me or hate me living in party world at my age..but to call me something so disgusting is just completely and utterly devastating and the lowest level of wit, judgement and trolling," he continued.
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"On the way to the event I was chatting to various groups of lads who were asking for photos and what I thought being genuine.
"The very same lads were calling me a p**** 2 hours later ..How did it end with a stadium of people all heckling me with such a vile term (football fans or not)? It’s called the Herd affect ..( google it )
"Luckily I am thick-skinned and see beyond their words and their actions, however some others are not and this kind of behaviour can affect them mentally and can take lives and has taken lives.
"I also have a family, children and grandchildren - how do you think this kind of trolling makes them feel?
"My final message on this would be; Remember to be kind it really does not take much effort! #bekind."
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LADbible has contacted representatives of Peter Crouch for comment.