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Ian Wright hits out at 'racially-driven' abuse towards black pundits after Sky Sports cut Soccer Saturday trio

Twitter/@IanWright0
Twitter/@IanWright0

Ian Wright has launched a passionate defence of black pundits such as Micah Richards and Alex Scott after identifying "racially-driven" abuse towards them online.

Sky Sports confirmed on Tuesday they would not be retaining Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas on Soccer Saturday, with only Paul Merson staying on.

Presenter Jeff Stelling described it as his "saddest day ever" after growing close to the trio of former footballers during their long reign on Sky Sports' renowned goals show.

While Sky are yet to confirm who will replace them, it is believed Richards, 32 - formerly of Manchester City - and ex-Arsenal Ladies player Scott, are being lined up to replace them after successful stints with the broadcaster.

But after perceiving what appeared to be a negative reaction to the news that Richards and Scott could replace the trio, Wright questioned why people believe a black pundit should not get the chance to take the job.

"I've had to pull the car over, the racism is going through the roof today!" Wright said in the video footage uploaded to his official Twitter account.

"Can somebody 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 what, three middle-aged white guys have got the sack?

"What have they done? What have these guys done? Because a black person or woman might get the opportunity to do this job, might get the chance to do this show... why are they upset?

"Alex Scott, for me, is easily one of the best-prepared pundits out there. Easily. Micah Richards, the most exciting pundit we've seen in years. Keep their names out of your stinking, unbrushed-teethed mouths.

Ian Wright has backed Micah Richards to be handed a role on Soccer Saturday Photo: Getty Images
Ian Wright has backed Micah Richards to be handed a role on Soccer Saturday Photo: Getty Images

"These guys - Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson - they have had an unbelievable run, it's been a great show and it happens to everyone in the industry. This is Sky's decision to evolve the show and I wish them all the very best.

"Yes, they are going to be disappointed it's come to an end for those guys and they've done brilliant, but why does it have to be racially-driven? What's it got to do with Black Lives Matter or that black people may get an opportunity to get those jobs? What?!"

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