ITV have broken their silence on Ian Wright’s row with Eni Aluko.
And the broadcaster threw their support behind the Arsenal legend.
AlamyITV released a statement backing Ian Wright amid the row with Eni Aluko[/caption]
GettyAluko apologised for her comments – but Wright did not accept it[/caption]
Aluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry.
The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it.
And now ITV – for whom both Wright and Aluko have worked as pundits – have issued a statement to stand by the ex-Match of the Day analyst.
ITV said in a statement: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question.
“As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”
The statement will put into doubt Aluko’s future in punditry, especially with ITV with Wright a popular figure.
The broadcaster hold exclusive live rights to England men’s World Cup qualifiers in June.
They also share the rights with the BBC for the European Women’s Championship in Switzerland, where England will hope to retain their crown.
Aluko sparked the row last week when she spoke about importance of making sure men were aware of the “finite amount of opportunities” for female pundits.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and 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.
“The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.
“If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.
“But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.
“Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”
Aluko, 38, did say sorry with a public apology to Wright amid a backlash and said she has “nothing but love and respect” for her colleague.
But the former Gunners hero – who worked alongside Aluko at the 2022 World Cup – struggled to accept it.
Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.
He said: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.
“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.”
Wright added: “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.
“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 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.”
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