Ian Wright rejects apology from Eni Aluko after punditry comments | Women’s football

Ian Wright admits he was “very disappointed” about Enni Arco’s recent comments about women’s involvement in soccer, and he says he “can’t accept” her apology.

In an interview this week, Arco argued that men such as Wright should “recognize” the opportunities they take in women’s matches, and that women’s broadcasters should not “block” to have a route. In BBC Radio 4 Women’s Time, the former England forward said: “I’ve been working with Ian for a long time. I think he’s a great broadcaster. But I think he knows how much he does in women’s games. I think he should know that.”

After being backlash and scrutiny for her comments, Arco announced her social media apology to Wright on Friday. She wrote on Instagram: “It was wrong to have Ian’s name raised in that conversation, and I sincerely apologize for that. I have worked with Ian for many years and have not respected him for love and respect.”

Despite seeing Arco’s apology, Wright refused. The former Arsenal striker has argued that everyone needs to help fix the “systematic challenges” of women’s football.

He said on Instagram: “I have to say I’m very disappointed in what Enni said. She knows I helped her and publicly supported her, and she knows her previous conversations with me and my business owners.

Wright continued: “But it’s not about individuals like me, it must be about groups. And because of the past, men have blocked women’s games for 50 years.

The 61-year-old concluded by thanking his fans for their support throughout the emotional week.