Jamie Redknapp jokingly compared Ian Wright to controversial internet personality Salt Bae after the Arsenal legend joined players on the pitch during the club's Premier League title celebrations on Sunday.
The Gunners finally ended years of frustration by sealing the Premier League crown, sparking emotional scenes among players, staff and fans.
Wright, one of Arsenal's most passionate public supporters, was working for Sky Sports during the celebrations when he suddenly found himself dragged into the jubilant scenes by the squad.
As the former striker carried out his punditry duties pitchside, Gabriel Martinelli walked over and placed a winners' medal around Wright's neck.
The emotional moment quickly descended into laughter among the Sky Sports team.
"He's gone full Salt Bae!" Redknapp joked live on air.
Micah Richards then piled in with another playful dig.
Jamie Redknapp jokingly compared Ian Wright to controversial internet personality Salt Bae after the Arsenal legend joined players on the pitch during the club's Premier League title celebrations on Sunday
|SKYSPORTS
"What's Wrighty up to?!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2026
"Does he know he's working right now?" 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/qrY4lxxCVu
"Does he know he's working right now?" Richards laughed. "Uncontrollable Ian!"
Redknapp's remark referenced the infamous scenes following 2022 FIFA World Cup final when celebrity chef Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gökçe, inserted himself into Argentina's celebrations on the pitch.
The Turkish restaurateur faced widespread criticism after handling the World Cup trophy and repeatedly interrupting players during their celebrations.
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Salt Bae caused controversy at the 2022 World Cup
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Unlike that controversy, however, Arsenal's squad appeared desperate to ensure Wright shared in the moment.
The former striker has become a hugely influential figure around the club in recent years and remains adored by supporters and players alike.
Wright later reflected emotionally on Arsenal finally getting over the line after several seasons of near misses and criticism.
"Arsenal fans have been getting dragged for four years until Man City drew with Bournemouth," he said. "People have been drinking our tears or whatever they have been doing."
Wright also defended manager Mikel Arteta after years of scrutiny aimed at the Spaniard.
"All his gimmicks, the pickpockets and North London Forever," Wright added. "All of it has worked because it has got us over the line."
Ian Wright embraced Arsenal players on the pitch following Sunday's match with Crystal Palace | GETTYThe Arsenal legend was seen embracing players, posing for photographs and soaking in the celebrations after the title triumph was confirmed.
But Wright did not stop there.
In a bold claim, he suggested Arteta could eventually surpass legendary former manager Arsene Wenger as Arsenal's greatest ever boss.
Wright praised Wenger's achievements during difficult financial years surrounding the construction of the Emirates Stadium but argued Arteta could move ahead of him if he delivers the club's first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.
"If Mikel Arteta can do that, he supersedes everybody," Wright said.
"He will have done something no-one in our history has done before."