Ian Wright rejects apology from Eni Aluko after punditry feedback

Ian Wright has admitted he was once “very disappointed” about Eni Aluko’s contemporary feedback referring to his involvement in ladies’s soccer and says he “can’t accept” her apology.

In an interview this week, Aluko claimed males equivalent to Wright “should be aware” of the alternatives they take within the ladies’s recreation, claiming feminine broadcasters must now not be “blocked” from having a pathway. On BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, the previous England ahead mentioned: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster. But I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”

After receiving backlash and scrutiny for her feedback, Aluko issued a social media apology to Wright on Friday. She wrote on Instagram: “It was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”

Despite seeing Aluko’s apology, Wright has rejected it. The former Arsenal striker claims everybody must assist repair the “systemic challenges” in ladies’s soccer.

He mentioned on Instagram: “I’ve got to say I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said. She knows how I’ve helped her, supported her publicly. And I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management. So, for me, I’ve seen your apology on social media, but I can’t accept it. But I also want to move on from it.”

Wright persevered: “But the thing about where the women’s game is, it can’t be about individuals like me. It has to be about the collective. And because of the past, we know that men blocked the women’s game for 50 years. Because of the past the game has serious systemic challenges and it’s going to take everyone to help fix it. So for me, I’m always going to give back to the game that’s given me so much.”

The 61-year-old concluded via thanking enthusiasts for his or her reinforce all through an emotional week.