‘The Coverage Is Completely Tinged With Racism’- Ian Wright Slams AFCON Detractors
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has slammed detractors of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Cameroon are due to host the tournament, which has been delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, from January 9 to February 6 next year.
There have been widespread reports that the tournament could be rescheduled or cancelled entirely because of the coronavirus omicron variant which continues to spread across the globe.
Some European clubs have even threatened to block their players from participating in the tournament to prevent them from contracting the virus.
The usual club versus country dilemma that African players face anytime the AFCON comes around is back but the tournament has received support by Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira and Ajax Amsterdam’s Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller in recent days.
In a video posted by Wright on his Tiktok, he posed a question: “Is there ever a tournament more disrespected than the Africa Cup of Nations? There is no great honour, none other than representing your country. The coverage is completely tinged with racism.
“We played our Euros across 10 countries in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and no issues. Cameroon, a single country hosting the tournament is a problem.
“Imagine a journalist asking players if they will be honouring the call ups for their national teams. Have you ever heard anyone asking Three Lion players if they ever honour a call-up?”
“Some of the best players in Europe right now are Africans. If we love them at our clubs, why not love them at their national teams across the globe,” Wright continued.
“Why is this tournament constantly getting so much flak? Shout outs to countries that have qualified and players like Sebastien Haller who has taken a stand against the media backlash plus Patrick Vieira,” Wright added.
“Vieira coming out and speak about it. And being a black manager, people can understand where his roots are and how important this tournament is to African people. This shame has gone on for too long.”
“That’s why I wish Cameroon all success in hosting this tournament and like I said to the players, all the very best and the fans.”
