Arsenal legend lambasted over comments on Bafana Bafana star

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has been lambasted on social media for his comments about Bafana Bafana’s Premier League star Lyle Foster. The Premier League record-scorer received the backlash after suggesting that Foster should have honoured Bafana Bafana’s Afcon call-up.

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Foster’s absence from the Ivory Coast tournament continues to divide opinion, including in the Premier League. The former Orlando Pirates forward took a break from Premier League football in October 2023 to recover from mental health issues. The 23-year-old eventually bounced back to action at Burnley weeks ago. He has since featured in five games for the Clarets. The return of the South African to action coincided with his call-up to the forthcoming Afcon finals. However, the Arsenal veteran has issues with Foster’s case.

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However, Burnley manager Vincent Kompany insisted that Foster won’t be able to honour Bafana Bafana’s Afcon call-up. The former captain for the Premier League champions said the Johannesburg-born striker still needs close monitoring by doctors.

In reaction, Wright suggested that Foster should have been in Bafana Bafana’s camp by now. Burnley Express newspaper of England quoted Wright as justifying his opinion on the South African international’s situation. The former Premier League striker made the comments while discussing with fellow pundit Karen Carney on ITV. The duo was previewing Friday’s FA Cup game between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur.

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While Carney said she understood how the issue of Foster was delicate, Wright thought otherwise. The Arsenal icon based his opinion on Foster’s continued involvement in the Premier League matches. Carney is quoted saying: “A lot of the time when I went away on international duty it felt quite claustrophobic. I lost my family and everything around me, so it was really challenging. I felt like I would go back into a dark place if I went there. So, I do have some empathy and I do understand his decision.”

The remarks of Carney drew a different opinion from the Arsenal great. Wright is quoted saying there was “no way” he’d turn down the opportunity to represent his country. “I think from a South African fan’s point of view, it will be very disappointing to see he can’t play for them. Yet while they’re playing in Afcon, they’re watching him play for Burnley,” the Premier League former striker said. “As time goes by, he’ll probably realise how important he is to them. At the moment, he’s in the bosom of Burnley. He can see Vincent Kompany talking about how much they love him and how much they want him. Why wouldn’t you feel comfortable in that situation?”

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FANS TAKE TURNS TO HIT BACK AT ARSENAL’S VETERAN

In reaction, fans took to X.com to express their anger with the Arsenal man. “Very poor that by Ian Wright completely trivializing Lyle Foster’s illness. Disappointing,” Casey James wrote on X, according to Burnley Express. Another Burnley follower Callum added: “Grim that from Ian Wright. Vinny said the next phase of recovery is to get back in games. He is a footballer after all. Wright showing a real lack of empathy there.”

The newspaper quoted another Premier League supporter John Robertson. He said the Arsenal legend’s remarks proves that few people understand mental health issues. “Rather than beating Wrighty with a stick, let’s continue to educate and show understanding of mental health and its variants,” Robertson added. “It affects us all and it affects us all very differently. Family can help, home comforts can help. Familiar surroundings can help. The truth is, lots of things can help and only Lyle and his support team know exactly what he needs.”

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Foster’s absence at the Afcon finals is a big blow for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. However, it is a blessing for Burnley as they battle Premier League relegation. Bafana Bafana will also miss the services of France-based forward Lebo Mothiba. The Strasbourg SC player is injured.