Manchester United legend Roy Keane's quick response left his fellow pundits – including Ian Wright – in hysterics as former England star Jill Scott was discussing her media work
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Roy Keane and Ian Wright
Roy Keane joked about Ian Wright on the Stick to Football podcast
(Image: YouTube/@TheOverlap)
Manchester United legend Roy Keane caught Ian Wright by surprise after referencing the Arsenal icon's recent spat with Eni Aluko.
On the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, former England star Jill Scott was discussing her media work. The 2022 Euros winner mentioned that she doesn't work as a pundit on many England women's games.
Midway through her explanation, Keane interjected to joke that it was "because of Ian," pointing to Gunners legend Wright. This prompted laughter from the panel following controversial claims from ex-England Lioness Aluko, who suggested that Wright's presence in women's football was potentially restricting opportunities for female broadcasters.
A staunch supporter of women's football, Wright is frequently seen assessing England games and discussing the WSL.
Both Scott and Aluko were illustrious players who have since moved into punditry. But away from the pitch, Scott has tasted TV victory on ITV's I'm A Celebrity and often features on Stick to Football with Keane, Wright, Gary Neville, and Jamie Carragher. Meanwhile, Aluko has worked for various broadcasters, covering both men's and women's matches, but suggested that Wright's influence might be inadvertently hindering her and other women.
During a conversation about the difficulty of criticising players or managers they consider friends, Scott said on Stick to Football: "I don't do many of the women's games and stuff because I'm..." Before Keane promptly quipped: "Because of Ian" - referencing the Arsenal great, who was sat alongside him.
Keane's joke stemmed from claims about Wright from Aluko, who stated on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour: "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."
Eni Aluko and Ian Wright
Eni Aluko and Ian Wright have worked together in the past
After facing criticism for her remarks, Aluko sought to offer an apology. The 38-year-old added that she was "trying to make a broader point" but conceded that "it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised".
Despite her attempt to apologise, the former Arsenal and England striker remained unmoved and stated: "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said," Wright admitted. "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."