Former England and Chelsea striker Eni Aluko ignited controversy during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, accusing Arsenal legend Ian Wright of “dominating” women’s football punditry and “blocking” opportunities for female broadcasters.
Aluko, 38, argued that Wright, 61, should be mindful of the limited spaces available in the growing women’s game, stating, “I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way Ian is dominating the women’s game.”
She emphasized the need for men to support pathways for women in broadcasting, suggesting Wright’s prominence could hinder female pundits.
The internet swiftly rejected Aluko’s claims, with fans defending Wright’s contributions to women’s football. Social media erupted –
Wright’s support for women’s football is well-documented.
He has championed the Lionesses, regularly punditing their matches on ITV alongside female broadcasters like Karen Carney.
He anchored the Women’s Euro 2025 draw and launched a podcast, Crossways, with Steph Houghton to discuss women’s game issues.
In 2021, Wright publicly condemned abuse faced by female pundits like Alex Scott and Aluko herself.
Most notably, he funded Stoke City player Kayleigh McDonald’s ACL rehab and secured a sports lawyer to advocate for her, demonstrating his commitment to female athletes.
Aluko’s remarks come amid her ongoing legal battle with Joey Barton, a former footballer whose dimwitted social media attacks labeled her a “race card player” and compared her to serial killers.
A High Court ruled Barton’s January 2024 posts defamatory, and he faces a criminal trial in May 2025. Aluko claims the feud has reduced her punditry work, dropping from 44 appearances in 2023 to 27 in 2024.
While Barton’s attacks are indefensible, targeting Wright, a proven advocate, is uncalled for.
Aluko’s attempt to drag him down has backfired, with the internet rallying to celebrate Wright’s invaluable role in women’s football.
