ITV have finally got around to addressing Eni Aluko’s nonsensical criticism of former Arsenal star Ian Wright.
In the words of Manchester indie legends Courteeners, what took you so long?
Aluko claimed last week that Wright should be aware of how much punditry work he was doing in women’s football.
She added that it was important ‘women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game’.
Aluko subsequently apologised on social media. Wright rejected her pathetic attempt to save face.
ITV has now woken from their slumber to support Wright.
“Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question,” a spokesperson said.
“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.
“He is an ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”
In the spirit of democracy, the spokesperson stopped short of calling Aluko a clueless numpty. However, no one would have batted an eyelid if they did.
Aluko is renowned for playing the gender and race cards in a desperate attempt to keep herself in the spotlight.
While both elements are hugely important in the football industry, neither holds any resonance where Aluko is concerned.
Flower it up however you like, but she is a dreadful pundit. That has nothing to do with her gender or race – she’s just not clued up about football.
Dictionary makers may consider adding her image to the word ‘brainless’ when they release their next editions.
One of the most ironic elements about this sorry story is that Wright backed Aluko during the 2022 World Cup when she dropped an on-air clanger.
Her inability to work out that Raphinha’s tally of 19 goals in 40 games for Brazil did not equate to a goal per game sparked merriment on social media.
Wright honourably attempted to defend Aluko by blasting the ‘sexist’ criticism.
Less than three years on, the former Arsenal star may now recognise that his support was seriously misplaced.
Aluko is a lousy football pundit. It’s neither gender biased nor racist to say that. The end.
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