Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has staunchly defended Eni Aluko after she was ruthlessly trolled on social media over her mistake during ITV punditry.
Joining Roy Keane and Graeme Souness in the ITV studio, Aluko shared her thoughts on the in-form Richarlison in Brazil’s 4-1 demolition of South Korea.
Richarlison added his name to the scoresheet after a stunning bit of play, with Brazil taking full control of the round-of-16 tie in the first half on Monday evening.
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Aluko, who made over 100 appearances for England’s women’s team, slipped up on live TV when she crunched the numbers behind Richarlison’s goalscoring exploits for Brazil.
Speaking on ITV, the 35-year-old said: “He’s [Richarlison] the top scorer for Brazil over the last two years.
“He’s got a great record: 19 goals in 40 appearances. Do the math on that, it’s one goal a game.”
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The former Juventus Women and Chelsea Women star was brutally trolled on social media after footage of her ‘do the math’ remarks went viral.
Wright took to Twitter and hit out at those who were mocking ITV pundit Aluko, with the Arsenal legend saying he has “made countless mistakes live on air.”
He wrote to his 2.1m Twitter followers: “I've made countless mistakes live on air. The replies to this are horrible.
I've made countless mistakes live on air. The replies to this are horrible. You man are so pressed by women in football that you take pure pleasure in this. Grow up.
Eni Aluko: ‘Richarlison has 19 goals in 40 games, you do the math that’s a goal a game’
“You man [sic] are so pressed by women in football that you take pure pleasure in this. Grow up.”
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One fan said in response to the tweet: “Top man, Wrighty.”
While another Twitter user posted: “Thank you, uncle Wrighty. We need to stand up for our women more.”
A third added: “Well said Wrighty.”
And a fourth fan simply wrote: “Common Ian Wright W.”
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READ MORE:
- Why Brazil manager Tite brought third-choice ‘keeper Weverton on against South Korea
- Fans convinced World Cup is ‘rigged’ for Brazil and Tite’s side are getting ‘special treatment’
- Graeme Souness says he would’ve ‘emptied’ Neymar for his showboating antics
Brazil’s win at the Stadium 974 sets up Tite’s men for a quarter-final clash against Croatia, who defeated Japan on penalties in their last-16 tie on Monday.
The five-time World Cup winners could face the winners of the Netherlands vs Argentina in the semi-finals if they beat Croatia at the Education City Stadium on Friday.
Featured Image Credit: ITV/YouTubeTopics: Ian Wright, Brazil, South Korea, Football, Football World Cup