Former England striker Eni Aluko has issued a passionate apology to Ian Wright after facing backlash for claiming he was blocking opportunities for female pundits in women's football coverage.
The 38-year-old former Chelsea player made the controversial comments during an appearance on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour on Wednesday.
Her remarks sparked immediate criticism from fans and industry insiders alike.
Aluko has since taken to Instagram to express her regret, admitting it was "wrong" to single out Wright, who has long been recognised as a staunch advocate for the women's game.
Former England international Eni Aluko came under fire following her controversial comments about Ian Wright "blocking" female pundits and "dominating" women's football coverage
GETTYThe controversy has reportedly left her position at ITV hanging in the balance.
During her Woman's Hour interview, Aluko specifically questioned Wright's extensive presence in women's football coverage.
"I've worked with Ian a long time and, you know, 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," she said.
Aluko, who won 105 England caps, emphasised the "limited amount of spaces available" for pundits in women's football.
When asked if Wright's involvement was wrong, she replied: "I don't know about wrong.
"But I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game."
She took to Instagram on Friday morning to issue her apology, writing: "Ian Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women's game has been significant."
Aluko explained she was attempting to make "a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football" across various roles.
"But it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise," she continued.
READ MORE: London Marathon organisers explain reason for defying Supreme Court over transgender issue
Eni Aluko has since apologised after making comments about Ian Wright over his dominance of the punditry scene
PA"I've known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him."
She had previously attempted to clarify her comments, insisting "no one was 'attacked' or 'accused'" during the interview.
Wright is widely respected for his advocacy of women's football, having founded and donated to the Ian Wright Coaching Fund to increase female coaches in grassroots football.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Eni Aluko took to social media to apologise
He has reportedly covered just one WSL game in the league's history and 11 Lionesses matches in the past two seasons.
According to reports, Aluko now faces potentially being axed by ITV following her comments.
Insiders told Mail Sport that her views have left bosses "both angry and bemused" given the broadcaster's record of sending female-heavy teams to cover major tournaments.
A TV source said: "Aluko's on very thin ice, the comments she made were ill-judged to say the least."
