Wright criticises public reaction to Bellingham
Ian Wright says some people are not ready to embrace a Black superstar like Jude Bellingham. He argues that criticism of the Real Madrid midfielder carries racial undertones. Wright believes observers react negatively to Bellingham’s confidence and strong identity.
Growing tension over England role and reactions
Bellingham faced backlash after reacting angrily to being substituted against Albania. Thomas Tuchel says he will review the situation after apologising earlier this year for stern comments. Despite shining at Euro 2024, Bellingham is no longer a guaranteed starter. Some pundits now question his place at the next World Cup.
Wright points to racial bias in coverage
Wright says negative attention towards the 22-year-old links directly to his skin colour. He believes Bellingham unsettles people who dislike confident Black players. He says the media cannot control him and that this triggers their response.
A rapid rise built on major achievements
Bellingham’s career accelerated after leaving Birmingham City for Borussia Dortmund in 2020. Three years later he joined Real Madrid in a deal worth up to 133.9 million euros. He won La Liga and the Champions League in his first season. He scored 23 goals and supplied 13 assists. At Euro 2024, he scored a dramatic overhead kick against Slovakia to force extra time and push England into the quarter-finals.
Echoes of Sterling’s treatment
Gary Neville recalls Raheem Sterling feeling unfairly targeted by the media during Euro 2016. Sterling later criticised newspapers in 2018 for harmful portrayals of Black players. Wright sees strong parallels now. He says many people struggle with a superstar like Bellingham because his energy challenges stereotypes.
Confidence that challenges expectations
Wright compares Bellingham and Paul Pogba to N’Golo Kanté, who is often labelled as humble. He says players with visible pride make some people uncomfortable. Wright believes Bellingham inspires many fans, and that this power frightens certain groups.
Bellingham’s recent England matches
Bellingham missed the October squad for games against Wales and Latvia. He returned for qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. He came on after 65 minutes against Serbia and left after 84 minutes against Albania. Tuchel says competitive players dislike being substituted but must respect team rules.
Racial abuse remains a deep issue
Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho suffered racist abuse after missing penalties in the Euro 2021 final. A Rashford mural in Manchester was vandalised soon after. Wright says Black players who speak openly and perform at elite levels unsettle some people. He believes their confidence exposes deep-rooted prejudice.
