With 102 international appearances to her name, Eniola Aluko is a welcome addition to ITV's World Cup team of panelists.
Sitting alongside Celtic legend Henrik Larsson, and former Manchester United and French player Patrice Evra, Aluko was working for the broadcaster ahead of today's opening World Cup tie between Costa Rica and Serbia.
Detailing what viewers could hope to suspect from one of the lesser known sides in Costa Rica, Aluko's in-depth assessment was greeted by Evra suggesting her breakdown of the team was 'very good', proceeding to clap his hands in a manner that has been roundly criticised as extremely patronising on the Frenchman's behalf.
LOOOOOOOOL PATRICE EVRA HAS NEVER EVEN CONTEMPLATED TALKING ABOUT FOOTBALL TO A GIRL 😭😭 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/XBqqrtaP2x
— Harry Hesketh (@HarryHesketh) June 17, 2018
With many English viewers watching the trio ahead of the game between Costa Rica and Serbia, Evra has become a target for much abuse.
Patrice Evra is straying into dangerous territory here ...
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) June 17, 2018
Eni Aluko - has done research into the teams she is talking about. Unlike Patrice Evra, I'm not going to patronise her for that; it's what ALL pundits should do. And her reaction to Patrice's 'praise' suggests she thinks the same.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) June 17, 2018
Wouldn't be the first World Cup Evra was sent home early from.
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewin_) June 17, 2018
Just seen the clip of Evra *applauding* Eni Aluko’s punditry. Shouldn’t be used by ITV again.
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) June 17, 2018
The awkward moment Patrice Evra applauds Eni Aluko after she gives her punditry. No wonder women feel like they have to battle when talking football when you get patronised like that!
— Nick Whittaker (@Nick_Whittaker) June 17, 2018
Patrice Evra showing surprise and actually *clapping* Eni Aluko’s analysis... awful, patronising
— Omar Chaudhuri (@OmarChaudhuri) June 17, 2018
Although the majority have condemned Evra's seemingly patronising response, some viewers considered Evra's deference to Aluko's greater knowledge on the subject a defining moment.
Patrice Evra openly admitting Eniola Aluko knows more about football than me and "he's really impressed" feels like a special moment on ITV comms.
— Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) June 17, 2018
