Two prominent British footballing pundits have become embroiled in a heated Twitter arguement regarding institutionalised racism, and the approach black former professionals should take to media engagement.
Speaking to The Guardian in an interview that was released this morning, Collymore disclosed his thoughts regarding why his was not an acceptable face for footballing punditry in England:
Opportunities have been denied to me ... because I’ve become increasingly outspoken and that’s not allowed in this country if you’re not white.
Crucially, Collymore directed his attention toward those black pundits who regularly appear in footballing media circles, and offered a less than flattering assessment of why he believes this is:
To be a black pundit you either need to be a comedian like Chris Kamara or Ian Wright – guys who have big pearly-white smiles and everyone loves laughing at – or Jermaine Jenas and Alex Scott, who are completely inoffensive. What you’re not allowed to do is call out the status quo, which is what I do.
In response to this 'comedian' jibe, Ian Wright took to his own Twitter account to offer an alternative take.
Arguing that 'representation and opportunities matter', Wright suggested that it wasn't Collymore's skin colour that left him alienated from certain British broadcasters. Following this up, he shared an image of Collymore's alleged 'comedians'.
Never shy embracing a perceived challenge to his frame of view, Collymore, who will be working with Russia Today throughout the upcoming World Cup, responded to Wright's message aggressively.
Black man who works for The overtly racist S** and uses "chip on your shoulder" without any irony.
You know what you are Ian, and always have been, which is why only you are employed by every British broadcaster.
The epitome of a Tom.
Cunt. https://t.co/caYAcLr7n3— Stan Collymore ❤️🖤 (@StanCollymore) June 10, 2018
No doubt attempting to antagonise Wright, the former Arsenal man has yet to reply.
