'Very disappointed': Arsenal legend Ian Wright rejects Eni Aluko's apology after women's football furore
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has rejected Eni Aluko's apology for her pointed comments towards the pundit, arguing that he wants to move on from the remarks that he is 'blocking' opportunities for women in football.
Wright is a broadcaster for various English media companies in both the women's and men's game.
Aluko suggested the 61-year-old was stopping females from entering the football broadcasting industry, arguing there is 'finite opportunity' and that she 'couldn't dominate the men's game...the way Ian has [the women's game].'
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"I'm very disappointed by what Eni has said," Wright said in a video on his Instagram.
"She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management.
"I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don't need any further social commentary directed at anyone."
The Arsenal legend said he understood Aluko's comments but he was very disappointed to hear Aluko say he risked blocking women after their professional careers.
Wright has been a long-time advocate for the women's game, travelling to Australia for the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand to cover the tournament with ITV which elevated the game on an international stage.
Katie Shanahan, Emma Hayes, Jill Scott and Ian Wright talk prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England. Getty
"The thing about where the women's game is, it isn't about me – it has to be about the collective," Wright reiterated.
"It's never bothered me about who's playing the game, as long as they're playing the game. If you know my story you'll know how much football means to me.
"We are the country [England] that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women's football.
"We men are the ones that banned women's football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you.
"It's something I do not take for granted."
Pundits Eni Aluko and Ian Wright during the Arnold Clark Cup match between England Lionesses and Spain at Carrow Road. Offside via Getty Images
Aluko, who won 105 caps for England as a striker on the national team, faced heavy scrutiny for her jarring comments on Wright's role in women's football.
Her apology on Instagram admitted "it was wrong" to name Wright in the conversation and rather that he was an "brilliant role model whose support for the women's game has been significant."
The two have worked together on multiple projects including the 2022 Qatar World Cup, while Wright has a particular focus on broadcasting the England Lioness' games.
"In my interview with Woman's Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football – whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial space – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch," said Aluko.
"But it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise."
