A growing number of prominent figures in women's football have shown their support for Ian Wright after he rejected Eni Aluko's apology.
The former England international had claimed Wright was "blocking" opportunities for women in the sport during an appearance on Radio Four's Women's Hour.
Aluko suggested Wright's role as a pundit covering women's football at ITV hampered the chances of female pundits entering the industry.
Wright subsequently stated he "can't accept" her apology in a social media post that has garnered significant support.
A growing number of prominent figures in women's football have shown their support for Ian Wright after he rejected Eni Aluko's apology
PA
Among those showing support for Wright's message are Lionesses stars Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Mary Earps.
Arsenal players Katie McCabe, Daphne van Domselaar, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Katie Reid have also liked Wright's post.
Former Arsenal favourite Cloe Lacasse joined the growing list of supporters.
JUST IN:Sir Alex Ferguson, 83, flooded with apologies after Liverpool win Premier League title
The backing from these prominent women's football figures comes as Wright expressed disappointment at Aluko's accusations, despite her subsequent apology on social media.
Many have rallied behind the Arsenal legend, who has long been considered a vocal advocate for the women's game.
During her podcast appearance, Aluko specifically addressed Wright's presence in women's football broadcasting.
READ MORE: Anthony Joshua makes feelings clear after watching Chris Eubank Jr win Conor Benn boxing fight
"I've worked with Ian a long time and I think he's a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he's aware of just how much he's doing in the women's game," she said.
Aluko, who won 105 England caps, argued there are "limited spaces available" in women's football media.
She added: "We need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women's game."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Her comments also suggested men need to be "aware" of their impact in the growing women's sport.
In his impassioned response, Wright explained why he couldn't accept Aluko's apology.
"I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said, she knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly," Wright stated.
Ian Wright was clearly left hurt by Eni Aluko's accusation that he blocks opportunities for female pundits in women's football
PAHe emphasised that women's football "isn't about me - it has to be about the collective."
Wright also acknowledged the historical context, noting: "We men are the ones that banned women's football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one."
He thanked those who had "spoken about it publicly and showed love and support."
