Eni Aluko APOLOGISES to Ian Wright: Former footballer admits she was ‘wrong’ to accuse Arsenal legend of ‘blocking’ pathway for female pundits in shock attack

By JAMES COHEN

Eni Aluko has issued a passionate apology to Ian Wright after facing backlash for claiming he was blocking opportunities for female pundits by ‘dominating’ women’s football coverage.

Aluko’s views on Wright were made during an appearance on Radio Four’s Women’s Hour on Wednesday, in which she also claimed her punditry career had been damaged by ex-Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, who she’s suing for libel, after he dubbed her a ‘race card player’ on social media in January last year.

She had also said that ITV continuing to employ Wright to cover the women’s game hampered the chances of female pundits coming into the industry.

Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, Aluko wrote: ‘lan Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women’s game has been significant. 

‘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 spaces – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.

‘But it was wrong for lan’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I’ve known and worked with lan for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him’.

More to follow… 

Eni Aluko apologised to Ian Wright after claiming he was blocking opportunities for pundits

Aluko (middle) made the comments about Wright (right) in a radio interview earlier this week 

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Eni Aluko APOLOGISES to Ian Wright: Former footballer admits she was ‘wrong’ to accuse Arsenal legend of ‘blocking’ pathway for female pundits in shock attack

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