ITV has issued a strong statement backing Ian Wright amid his ongoing dispute with Eni Aluko, describing his standing in sport as “beyond question”.
The broadcaster praised the former Arsenal striker as “one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters”.
In its first public comment since the row erupted, ITV called Wright “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 comes after Aluko suggested Wright was “blocking” opportunities for women in football broadcasting, comments which sparked significant backlash.
Former England international Eni Aluko came under fire following her controversial comments about Ian Wright “blocking” female pundits and “dominating” women’s football coverageGETTY
The broadcaster’s unequivocal support for Wright raises serious questions about Aluko’s future with ITV.
The dispute began when Aluko appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour last Wednesday, where she questioned Wright’s extensive work in women’s football.
“I think he should be aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game,” Aluko said.
“We need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”
Following public backlash, Aluko issued an apology on Instagram last Friday, saying it was “wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation”.
She wrote: “I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”
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While ITV has not announced its full presenting team for the tournament, Wright will be involved, as he was throughout coverage of the qualifiers.
The broadcaster has confirmed Wright will be part of its FA Cup final team next month when his former club Crystal Palace meet Manchester City.
This marks 35 years since Wright came off the bench to score twice for Palace in a 3-3 draw against Manchester United.
Wright expressed his disappointment in a video posted on Instagram, saying: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”
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Eni Aluko took to social media to apologiseInstagram
“She knows how I’ve helped her, supported her publicly. And I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management,” he added.
Wright’s response was “liked” by several England players, including Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood.
The former Arsenal striker also thanked Stoke forward Kayleigh McDonald, who revealed Wright has been funding her recovery following an ACL injury.
According to reports, Aluko has been left “traumatised” by the public backlash to their row, her mother Sileola told MailOnline.
