Roy Keane's spontaneous Eni Aluko remark catches Ian Wright by surprise
Ex-Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane left Ian Wright in hysterics with his quick-witted response to Jill Scott. As the pundit insisted she didn't cover many women's games these days, Keane suddenly interrupted by questioning whether it was "because of Ian".
Keane's quip referenced Eni Aluko's recent remarks that Arsenal legend Wright's prominence in women's football punditry was hindering opportunities for other female voices in the media.
Wright, a vocal supporter of the women's game and a regular panellist for England fixtures, found himself at the centre of friendly fire during the light-hearted exchange.
Ex-England stars Scott and Aluko have followed different trajectories since hanging up their boots – with Scott segueing into stardom through ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here and becoming a regular fixture on Sky Sports' The Overlap podcast with the likes of Keane, Wright, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
Aluko, on the other hand, has expressed that her media chances have been scarce and suggested Wright's status may be an obstacle to her and other women in the industry.
The moment unfolded when Scott said: "I don't do many of the women's games and stuff because I'm..." before Keane interjected with his witty remark, playfully aiming it at Wright and sparking laughter around the table, reports the Mirror.
Aluko originally said: "I've worked with Ian a long time and 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.
"There is a limited amount of space available. I can't dominate the men's game in the way that – you know, you used Ian as an example – Ian is dominating the women's game.
"We need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway to broadcasting in the women's game.
"It is still new, it is still growing. There is a very fine amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that."
However, after facing intense backlash, Aluko backtracked on her criticism, apologised, and claimed she was attempting to "make a broader point". She confessed that "it was wrong for lan's name to be raised".
The Arsenal legend wasn't looking for reconciliation despite her apology, however. "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said," Wright said.
"She knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management.
"I've seen the apology on social media, but I can't accept it. But I also want to move on."
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