British broadcaster ITV have issued a statement following Eni Aluko’s apology for her recent comments about Ian Wright.
Aluko, 38, made comments about the number of opportunities for female broadcasters in the women’s game on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour last week.
"I've worked with Ian [Wright] a long time and, you know, 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 …" said Aluko when discussing the limited opportunities for women in football broadcasting.
When asked whether it was wrong for Wright to be working as a broadcaster at women’s games, she added: “I don't know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game."
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After backlash from fans, the former Chelsea and England forward issued an apology on Friday (April 25).
Aluko said: “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."
However, Wright, 61, explained that he “cannot accept” Aluko’s apology on Saturday (April 26).
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"I'm very disappointed by what Eni has said," said Wright.
"She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly.
"I can't accept it [the apology], but I also want to move on from it. I don't need any further social commentary directed at anyone."
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And on Tuesday (April 29), broadcaster ITV, which the pair have both worked for, issued a statement via The Guardian.
An ITV spokesperson said: “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.”
Topics: Ian Wright, Womens Football, Football
Luke Alfred Davies