Eni Aluko and Simon Jordan Have Heated Radio Argument

Former player Eni Aluko and radio host Simon Jordan had a loud argument on talkSPORT. It started because Aluko said men might be taking jobs from women who talk about women's football. Jordan disagreed strongly. The fight happened during a show and also during a break.
By Newsroom | Sports, Broadcasting |

The air crackled with tension during a recent talkSPORT broadcast, as former England footballer Eni Aluko and media personality Simon Jordan engaged in a heated exchange. The disagreement, which reportedly spilled into an ad break, stemmed from Aluko's earlier comments regarding the presence of male pundits in women's football and Ian Wright's role. The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting ongoing discussions about representation and merit within sports broadcasting.

Expert lip reader reveals what Simon Jordan said to Eni Aluko in furious ad-break bust up during talkSPORT showdown - 1

Context

The disagreement between Eni Aluko and Simon Jordan unfolded during a talkSPORT radio show. Aluko had previously voiced concerns about opportunities for women in football punditry, specifically mentioning Ian Wright. This led to a public discussion on the show, where Jordan offered a strong critique of Aluko's views and her broadcasting abilities.

Expert lip reader reveals what Simon Jordan said to Eni Aluko in furious ad-break bust up during talkSPORT showdown - 2

  • Aluko's Stance: Eni Aluko had suggested that Ian Wright, by participating in women's football coverage, might be taking opportunities away from female pundits. She also raised concerns about the industry's structure, implying that being overlooked for on-screen roles did not mean a lack of qualification.

  • Jordan's Response: Simon Jordan, co-presenting the show, strongly disagreed with Aluko. He described her as not "particularly enlightening, illuminating, engaging or charismatic" and suggested her views demonstrated a sense of "entitlement."

  • The Ad Break Confrontation: During an advert break, the on-air tension escalated into a direct confrontation between Aluko and Jordan. Reports indicate that lip readers have provided accounts of what was said during this private exchange.

  • Accusations of Gaslighting: Aluko also accused broadcaster Laura Woods of "gaslighting" her, suggesting Woods had previously offered positive feedback on Aluko's broadcasting skills, which Aluko felt contradicted Woods' later public comments on the matter.

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Evidence

Multiple reports detail the clash between Aluko and Jordan, focusing on their on-air and ad-break interactions.

Expert lip reader reveals what Simon Jordan said to Eni Aluko in furious ad-break bust up during talkSPORT showdown - 3

  • Simon Jordan stated on air that Aluko's "entitlement would re-sink the Titanic." (Article 1, 5, 12)

  • Jordan also directly criticized Aluko's broadcasting skills, telling her he did not consider her a "great broadcaster." (Article 7) He described her as "not particularly enlightening, illuminating, engaging or charismatic." (Article 2, 11)

  • Eni Aluko stated that she had previously received positive feedback from Laura Woods, who she felt was now "gaslighting" her. Aluko mentioned that Woods had told her, "I think you’re a brilliant broadcaster, I think you’re a brilliant pundit." (Article 1, 5, 10)

  • Aluko defended her position by stating, "I’ve worked too hard for people to conclude that because you’re not seeing me on screen, I’m not good enough, that’s not true." (Article 1)

  • She also pointed out that young boys attending games now wear shirts with female players' names, indicating a shift in the sport's appeal. (Article 1, 6)

Read More: Eni Aluko Steps Back From Awards After Comments About Ian Wright

The "Entitlement" Accusation

Simon Jordan's accusation of "entitlement" directed at Eni Aluko appears to be a central theme of his critique.

Expert lip reader reveals what Simon Jordan said to Eni Aluko in furious ad-break bust up during talkSPORT showdown - 4

  • Jordan specifically mentioned the "sheer weight of the entitlement you seem to believe you have would sink the weight of the Titanic." (Article 12)

  • He suggested that Aluko might feel "owed something" which he stated is not the case. (Article 9)

  • This critique seemed to stem from Aluko's broader comments about opportunities within women's football broadcasting and the perceived gatekeeping of roles.

Aluko's Defense and "Gaslighting" Claims

Eni Aluko defended her remarks and brought up the concept of "gaslighting" in relation to broadcaster Laura Woods.

  • Aluko explained her view that "if you’re sitting in the stands and not on screen then you don’t meet all of these things that make a brilliant broadcaster." (Article 1)

  • She mentioned consistently seeking feedback from Laura Woods, stating, "Laura consistently said to me, 'I think you're a brilliant broadcaster… I would consistently go to her and say, 'How do you think it went?'" (Article 1, 10)

  • Aluko felt Woods' subsequent public comments on the matter, which appeared to support Ian Wright and criticize Aluko's stance, constituted "gaslighting." (Article 2, 5, 10)

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Jordan's Critique of Punditry and "Fortuitous" Timing

Simon Jordan also questioned Aluko's broadcasting credentials and the timing of her comments.

  • Jordan directly stated that he did not consider Aluko a "great broadcaster." (Article 7) He elaborated that her expertise in men's football might be limited, suggesting "women have little expertise in men’s football" due to tactical differences. (Article 11)

  • He also suggested Aluko had been "quite fortuitous" or "a little fortuitous with your timing" regarding her recent comments and media opportunities. (Article 1, 2, 9, 13)

  • Jordan appeared to dismiss Aluko's analysis of certain football club transfer strategies, such as Manchester City's bid for Declan Rice, labeling it "bizarre" and "fortuitous." (Article 13)

Expert Analysis

While direct expert analysis on the specific radio exchange is limited in the provided text, the underlying issues touch on broader themes in sports media.

Read More: Radio Pundits Have a Loud Argument on TalkSPORT

  • The reports highlight a conflict between different perspectives on meritocracy and structural barriers in sports broadcasting.

  • Simon Jordan's criticism suggests a belief that broadcasting success is directly tied to demonstrable skills and engaging presentation, regardless of gender.

  • Eni Aluko's counterpoints imply a systemic issue where opportunities may not be equitably distributed, and past experience or connections play a role.

  • The mention of "gaslighting" introduces a psychological dimension, suggesting a perceived disconnect between private assurances and public statements from fellow professionals.

Conclusion

The incident on talkSPORT between Eni Aluko and Simon Jordan underscores a significant debate surrounding representation, qualification, and opportunity within sports journalism. Jordan's critique focused on Aluko's perceived "entitlement" and her broadcasting skills, while Aluko defended her position on merit and experience, also accusing Laura Woods of "gaslighting."

  • Key Points of Contention:

  • The value and perception of male versus female pundits in women's football.

  • The definition of a "great broadcaster" and the criteria for opportunity.

  • The impact of public figures like Ian Wright on the landscape of women's football media.

  • The alleged discrepancy in feedback received from colleagues.

  • Implications: The exchange highlights the polarized views on these issues and the personal impact such debates can have on individuals within the industry. It also brings attention to the role of media platforms in hosting these often-contentious discussions.

  • Next Steps: Further examination of the specific statements made by all parties, particularly through any available transcripts or official statements from talkSPORT, would provide a more complete picture. The accusations of gaslighting also warrant careful consideration of the communications between Aluko and Woods.

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Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Eni Aluko say that started the argument?
She said that men like Ian Wright talking about women's football might be taking chances away from women who could do the same job.
Q: How did Simon Jordan react?
He said Aluko was not a good broadcaster and felt she had a sense of 'entitlement,' meaning she felt she deserved things.
Q: Did the argument happen on air?
Yes, it started on the radio show and then got louder during a break when they were not live.
Q: What does 'gaslighting' mean in this situation?
Aluko said that a friend, Laura Woods, told her she was a good broadcaster in private, but then said things in public that seemed to disagree. Aluko felt this was like 'gaslighting'.