Roy Keane makes hilarious Eni Aluko joke in front of Ian Wright

May 9, 2025

Roy Keane’s quick-witted nature was on display yet again after making a quip on the Eni Aluko versus Ian Wright row.

Aluko recently caused a media storm by aiming a dig at Arsenal legend Wright. She claims his prominence being a pundit for the women’s game is preventing opportunities for women in broadcasting.

She faced growing criticism for her remarks and backtracked on her comments, saying “it was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised” and she was “trying to make a broader point”.

During the latest episode of Stick to Football, the topic of punditry was raised between the panel that consisted of Keane, Wright, Jill Scott, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes.

Keane said: “You wouldn’t be going after a manager, that’s the one thing I wouldn’t do. Criticise players, no problem, but managers, because I’ve been there and I’ve done it, I know how hard it is.”

Scott, a former England international with 161 caps, added: “I find it’s hard… I don’t do many of the women’s games because I’m like…”

Keane saw his opportunity and jokingly said: “Because of Ian?!”

His joke was well received by the former professionals and particularly by Wright, who took it in good spirits.

Wright has done a terrific job of being an ambassador for the women’s game, with players and pundits coming to his defence. Responding to Aluko’s comments, Wright said: “I’ve got to say, I’m very disappointed about what Eni has said.

“She knows how I’ve helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.

“I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on.”

Former England and Manchester City centre-back Steph Houghton publicly said: “Ian, can I just say this, and this has not been preempted. What you have done for our game is unbelievable.

“You’ve got to take all the credit that everybody’s thrown at you this week because you are a superhero, and I love working with you.”

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