Ex-professional footballer Ian Wright issued a furious response on Twitter to Lord Alan Sugar's claims that he was booked as a pundit for England Women's European Championship game because Lord Sugar "touched a nerve" with the BBC.
On Saturday, Lord Sugar tweeted that "all commentators are women" for the BBC's coverage that day of the Women's Euros. His full tweet read: "I am watching the women football and notice that ALL the commentators are women.
"I also note when men's football is on there is a symbolic female commentator to cover the broadcasters [sic] arse. Should I complain there should me a male commentator in women's football?"
Read more: Ian Wright says ‘lives wasted’ to knife crime after loss of 750 youth centres
Two days later, Lord Sugar noted that Ian Wright had been chosen as a pundit for England's historic 8-0 win over Norway, and posed the question as to whether his earlier tweet had any impact on the BBC's decision to include him on the panel. "I was pleased to see my old mate Ian Wright was given the opportunity to commentate on the ladies game last night," he said. "I wonder if my earlier tweet below touched a nerve. Of course BBC sport will say not at all, Ian was already lined up for it @IanWright0."
Many took to Twitter to ridicule the tweet. One user said: "Such a sense of self-importance", while another commented: "Yep everything in the world is organised off the back of your tweets."
It prompted a furious response from ex-Arsenal striker Wright, who pleaded with his followers: "Can everyone please stop sending me the Alan Sugar tweet, I was taking my daughter to singing lessons and it's blowing up. It's doing my head in, I can't believe it."
After his initial request, Wright went on to systematically de-bunk Lord Sugar's claims. "Alan, the thing is, my friend, rather than just say 'I got it wrong, lots of men are working at all levels of the tournament', you doubled down on some complete f*****g foolishness. So in your mind you actually thought after you sent that tweet that the BBC phoned me up - never mind the fact that I've been booked for a year."
Notably, BBC Sport announced its pundit line-up for the tournament in June, with the tournament in England having been postponed by 12 months due to Covid.
Wright added: "You genuinely think that they called me up and went 'Ian you've got to get back from Germany ASAP, Alan Sugar's tweeted, and we can't upset him, we need to get you on'. You genuinely believe that happened? Because I need to know.
"That says to me your ego is totally out of control. Where's the people around you to hug you bro? You need some hugs man, look at you coming on Twitter for attention like this, its laughable. Stop doing it to yourself. The thing is, all seriousness, I'm glad you're watching and the only thing you can find fault with doesn't even exist."
Wright then went on to conclude his statement with a sarcastic request to Lord Sugar to Tweet again, so he can continue working on the Women's Euros.
"I sit in these rooms with ex-players belittling the women's game all the time. I am so glad it annoys you and all of them. Can I just say, I hope you enjoy the rest of the tournament, can you please tweet again so I can work Friday? Please. God bless."
Fans then took to Twitter to support Wright, as one commented "Wrighty you absolute legend", while another said: "I don't think it's possible not to love Ian Wright".
Read next:
Ian Wright leaves I'm A Celebrity and says he has a lot of work to do on his mental health
The One Show's Alex Jones shares health update as she asks viewers for help
Road signs across England changed for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022
Football fans expected to spend £1.2billion during Women’s Euro 2022
