'I'm very disappointed' - Ian Wright 'can't accept' apology from Eni Aluko as Arsenal legend speaks out after being accused of blocking opportunities for women in football

Former Lionesses star Aluko accused fellow ITV pundit and Gunners icon Wright of 'dominating' coverage of women's football, while she talked on BBC Radio Four's Women's Hour. The ex-Chelsea and Birmingham City star claimed that Wright took space as the main point of the women's game broadcasts and indirectly blocked female pundits from gaining opportunities. Aluko has since withdrawn her words and even apologised to the veteran pundit as she labelled him a "brilliant broadcaster and a role model".

Following Aluko's apology, Wright took to social media to address the issue. The ex-Arsenal star rejected the apology as he expressed his deep disappointment with his fellow pundit's comments.

On Instagram, Wright said: "I have to talk about this week and what's going on, I don't want to endlessly be asked about it. I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has 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. For anyone watching this, I really don't need any further social commentary directed on any of this.

"The thing about where the women's game is, it isn't about me - it has to be about the collective. 'Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women's game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it's going to take everyone to help fixes. So for me, I always give back to the game, it's given me so much."

He added: "It's never bothered me about who's playing the game, as long as they're playing the game. If you know my story you'll know how much football means to me. ‘We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women's football.

"We men are the ones that banned women's football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you. It's something I do not take for granted."

Aluko's comments have led to speculation she could be axed by TV bosses. The former Lionesses star has apologised but it remains to be seen if she will continue in a punditry role.