By MICHAEL PAVITT

Ian Wright has stated he ‘can’t accept Eni Aluko’s apology after she accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football.

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.

Aluko issued an apology to Wright on Friday, which the Arsenal legend has now rejected in a social media post. 

‘I have to talk about this week and what’s going on, I don’t want to endlessly be asked about it,’ Wright said. 

I’ve got to say, I’m very disappointed about 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. 

I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it. but I also want to move on.

For anyone watching this, I really don’t need any further social commentary directed on any of this.

‘The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective. 

‘Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes. so for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.’

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Ian Wright REJECTS Eni Aluko’s apology, as he breaks silence on her accusing him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football

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