Ian Wright defends Alex Scott, Micah Richards and other black pundits targeted by racists

BBC pundit Ian Wright has hit out at the criticism received by black and female pundits following Sky Sports’ decision to sack Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from their positions on Soccer Saturday.

It was revealed on Wednesday that Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas, who have been longstanding pundits on the hugely popular programme hosted by Jeff Stelling, have been axed. 

Following the announcement many users on Twitter suggested that the likes of Micah Richards, Alex Scott and Clinton Morrison could be considered as candidates to replace them, with some individuals stating that they wouldn’t be happy if such a scenario occurred. 

Ian Wright has launched a defence of Alex Scott, Micah Richards and other black pundits

Wright was full of praise for Scott , who he said is ‘one of the best prepared pundits out there’ 

Wright also praised Micah Richards, who he described as ‘the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years’

Former Arsenal striker Wright addressed those comments during a video that he posted on Twitter. 

Wright, who often appears as a pundit on Match of the Day, said: ‘Woah, I’ve had to pull the car over. The racism is going through the roof today.

‘Can somebody just answer me this: What does Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Sol Campbell, Clinton Morrison, or any other black pundit have to do with Sky’s decision to get rid of these guys? All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack.

‘I kiss my teeth, say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff. What have they done? What have these guys done? Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job. They might get a chance to do this show. Why are people upset?’.

Scott, who played for Arsenal Women, has become a prominent pundit in recent years, featuring on Sky Sports and the BBC. Wright described Scott as ‘one of the best prepared pundits out there’.

Some Twitter users criticised black and female pundits after Sky Sports sacked Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier (pictured)

Nicholas, who had been on Soccer Saturday for many years, is among those who was sacked

Wright also praised former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender Richards, who recently became a pundit following the conclusion of his playing career. 

Wright said: ‘Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best prepared pundits out there. Easily. Micah Richards, the most exciting pundit to hit the scene in years. Keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed teeth mouths.

‘These guys, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson, they’ve had an unbelievable run. It’s been a great show. This happens to everybody in the industry. This is Sky’s decision to evolve the show, and you know what, I wish them all the very best.

‘Yes, you can be disappointed that it’s come to an end for those guys. But they’ve done brilliantly. But why does it have to be racially driven? What’s it got to do with Black Lives Matter, or the fact that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs? What?’.

Scott responded to Wright’s tweet with four heart emojis. 

After the decision to dismiss Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas, Stelling tweeted: ‘One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.’