Former England striker Ian Wright has suggested that the heavy media scrutiny faced by Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is influenced by the color of his skin.
Wright believes that Bellingham, 22, “frightens certain people” because he is a successful black player who “can’t be controlled.”
The comments follow criticism directed at Bellingham for his reaction to being substituted during England’s recent World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Speaking on The Overlap, the Arsenal legend stated, “I don’t think they’re ready for a black superstar, who can move like Jude is moving… It’s too uppity for these people.”
Wright contrasted Bellingham’s dynamic, outspoken nature with the favorable media treatment of players like N’Golo Kanté, whom he described as a “humble black man.”
Bellingham is having an exceptional season, winning a La Liga and Champions League double in his first year at Real Madrid, but his place in the England starting XI has been questioned following his recent substitution reaction.
Wright drew parallels to the unfair media treatment of former England winger Raheem Sterling and referenced the racial abuse suffered by Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho after the Euro 2021 final.
