Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology

Wright has long been an advocate for women’s football, on which he has worked regularly as a pundit, with particular focus on Lionesses matches.

In her interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour on Wednesday, Aluko – who has worked alongside Wright as a pundit – said he needed to be aware of how much he works in the women’s game as there are only a “finite amount of opportunities” for women.

The former Chelsea player, 38, has faced scrutiny for her comments.

She apologised on Instagram on Friday, saying: “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.”