Racism storm a bitter blow for former Bradford City ace Adeyemi (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Racism storm a bitter blow for former Bradford City ace Tom Adeyemi

8:40am Saturday 14th January 2012 in Simon Parker Column By Simon Parker

Tom Adeyemi had the academic world at his feet just over a year ago.

He had just started a season’s loan with City when his A Level results came through.

Top marks in biology, chemistry and maths were quickly followed by an open offer from Cambridge University.

Adeyemi, though, chose football first. He reasoned that the academic qualifications were a solid fallback if his career did not take off.

I wonder if he regrets that now. And if he does, who could possibly blame him?

I didn’t expect to see Adeyemi on the back page of the national newspapers. But then he could never have imagined being on the receiving end of the racist abuse that allegedly took place at Anfield.

A fan was subsequently arrested. But whatever the outcome of court proceedings, you wonder about the long-term impact on the player.

I got to know Adeyemi quite well during his time at Valley Parade. He was very polite and respectful.

It was the same when we bumped into each other at Boundary Park last month before the JPT game with Oldham. He shook my hand warmly – and then proceeded to knock City off the Wembley trail with a second-half goal.

I imagine it would take a lot to make him lose his rag. The Tom Adeyemi in those photos last week was not the one I recall.

But then how would he be expected to react if the alleged verbal diatribe did take place?

Racism has cast its shadow once again on our national game. Let’s hope it does not drive away one of our brightest young players.

Read more Simon Parker opinion columns at: telegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sport_opinion/sportparker/