Topics: Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville
Roy Keane appeared to make a brutal joke surrounding Eni Aluko's comments on Ian Wright during the latest episode of The Overlap's Stick to Football.
During an interview on BBC's Woman's Hour last month, former Chelsea and England star Aluko spoke of how there is a 'finite amount of opportunities' for female pundits in the women's game.
She referenced Wright, who has worked on women's football coverage for many years, and said: "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.
"I can't dominate the men's game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example."
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She continued: "I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway."
Aluko subsequently apologised to Wright - an apology he said he 'cannot accept' - for her comments, and clarified: "I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football - whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial spaces - and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.
"But it was wrong for Ian's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise.
"I've known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him."
Towards the end of the latest episode of Stick To Football, the panel discussed punditry in general - not related to Aluko's comments - and how it can be difficult to challenge managers if they know them personally.
During the conversation, former Manchester City and England midfielder Jill Scott said: "I think it's hard - I haven't done many of the women's games recently..."
Keane then interjected: "Because of Ian?"
The panel - including Wright - burst into laughter, before Neville said: "Right, we're here, we're finished, that's it!"
Aside from his Instagram story, the Arsenal legend has only addressed the matter on one other occasion, while on 'Crossways - The Women's Football Podcast' alongside ex-City and England captain Steph Houghton.
He said: "It's been a bit of an up-and-down week. But at the end of the day, it's all sorted.
"I'm not going to go into it, but I just really appreciate the public support that I got."
