Ian Wright: Arsenal legend hailed for sticking up for 'disrespected' AFCON

• Ian Wright went on a passionate rant on how media was portraying the Africa Cup of nations
• The Arsenal legend joined others like Crystal Palace boss Patrick Viera in demanding more respect towards the AFCON
• Wright referred to a recent interview where striker Sebastien Haller was asked if he would honour his call up to the Ivory Coast squad

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has boldly claimed that there is some negative media coverage on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The spectacle, which will entail 24 prestigious African Nations competing for footballing glory in the continent, is set to kick off on January 9.

A number of powerhouses are expected to cause ripples in the delayed tournament including Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana, as well as defending champions Algeria.

Ahead of the tournament, there has been a general feeling that there is a growing wave of disrespect surrounding the spectacle.

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And Ian Wright was the latest high profile figure to speak on the issue, as he claimed coverage of the AFCON was “hinged with racism”.

Through his Instagram and Tiktok, the Arsenal legend faulted the manner in which cold water was being thrown at the tournament, with sections of international media suggesting it should be postponed once again due to the new wave of COVID-19 cases.

"Is there ever a tournament more disrespected than the Africa Cup of Nations?" Wright started.

There is no greater honour than representing your country. The coverage is completely tinged with racism.

"We played our Euros across 10 countries in the middle of a pandemic and there's no issue at all. But Cameroon, a single country hosting a tournament, is a problem.

"Imagine being asked if you will honour a call-up"

Wright also referenced the recent incident involving this season’s Champions League top scorer in the group stage – Sebastien Haller.

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Haller was recently quizzed on whether he would honour his call up to the Ivory Coast team ahead of the AFCON.

"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?"

The Premier League is set to be among the leagues that will be affected by the AFCON as a number of key superstars will be representing their countries at the tournament.

Notably, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Tottenham are the only clubs that will not lose players to the tournament, set to run for three weeks.

Reaction

At the back of Ian Wright's video, the Arsenal legend was hailed for fuelling the conversation on respecting the Africa Cup of Nations.

Here is how some online users reacted to Wright's sentiments:

"Brother spot on mate you are absolutely right," Patrick Kluivert said.

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"And I don’t buy into the “but it’s in the middle of the season” BS, the World Cup will be in the middle of the season and I bet everyone will watch it," another added.

"Wright (and Eto'o) are examples of first class people, Clapping hands sign I really happy for people to know that Africa is a great continent, I have a lot of friends from Africa. they always treat me like a second father and mother. I will not be surprised one day on," said another.