Ian Wright breaks silence on Eni Aluko row - 'I can't accept' apology

Ian Wright has spoken out after Eni Aluko accused him of obstructing opportunities for women in football, stating he cannot accept her apology. Aluko had alleged that the Arsenal icon is "dominating" the coverage of women's football.

The former England striker addressed the issue on Radio Four's Women's Hour, suggesting that ITV's continued engagement of Wright as a pundit for women's football was detrimental to female pundits trying to break into the field. Aluko, 38, has since expressed regret over her remarks concerning Wright. However, despite his reluctance to perpetuate the discussion, the ex-Arsenal forward has voiced his disappointment regarding Aluko's statements.

"I have to talk about this week and what's going on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it," Wright said in a post on social media. "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."

Aluko has conceded that she was mistaken in invoking Wright's name while discussing broader issues concerning opportunities for women. In an Instagram post, she expressed: "Ian 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 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."