The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is being "disrespected" by poor media coverage, according to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Wright mentioned this on his official Instagram account, noting that the bi-annual tournament's coverage is absolutely laced with racism.
Ian Wright says players and countries competing in the Africa Cup of Nations deserve more respect
"Is there ever a be a tournament more disrespected than the Africa Cup of Nations? Imagine players getting asked if they will be honouring their national teams call up!?"
"The coverage is completely tinged with racism. We played our Euro's across 10 countries in the middle of a pandemic, there's no issue. But, Cameroon, a single country, hosting a tournament is a problem.
"Is there ever a be a tournament more disrespected than the Africa Cup of Nations? Imagine players getting asked if they will be honouring their national teams call up!?"
"The coverage is completely tinged with racism. We played our Euro's across 10 countries in the middle of a pandemic, there's no issue. But, Cameroon, a single country, hosting a tournament is a problem.
"There are players getting asked if they will be honouring the call-ups to their national teams. Imagine if that was an England player representing the Three Lions.
"Can you imagine the furore? Loads of the best players in Europe right now are African.
"If we love them at club level why can’t we love them at the international level like their counterparts across the globe? Why is this tournament constantly getting so much flak?
"If we love them at club level why can’t we love them at the international level like their counterparts across the globe? Why is this tournament constantly getting so much flak?
"I have got to give a shout out to the players like Sebastien Haller who are taking a stand against the media backlash, plus Patrick Vieira for coming out and speaking about this.
"This is why it is important to have a black manager who can let people understand where his roots are and how important this tournament is for African people.
"This is why it is important to have a black manager who can let people understand where his roots are and how important this tournament is for African people.
"I want to wish Cameroon every success in hosting this tournament and all the very best to the players and the fans."
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuousblog.com's position.