OPINION
Think of Ian Wright and you think of Arsenal, after the striker’s legendary career in north London where he spent seven very fruitful years.
He’s a hero among Arsenal fans and seen as the enemy by a lot of Tottenham fans. However, the lines are blurring a bit, with Wright insisting on praising his north London rivals when he thinks they’re deserving. That doesn’t always go down to well with the Arsenal faithful.
He was at it again last night after Tottenham beat Dortmund 3-0 in the Champions League, but his initial tweet – that just said “Spurs” below a gif of Leonardo DiCaprio applauding didn’t go down too well.
It went down so badly, in fact, that Wright took it down after attracting what he called “vile abuse” from Arsenal fans.
He tried again on Thursday, explaining that he took the tweet down because of a lack of context, but doubled down on his Tottenham praise saying they were “brilliant without key players”.
He said it was crazy that applauding “a very good Spurs performance” led to abuse and called for “more love”.
Took down the Spurs tweet last night becos it lacked context! Thought they were brilliant without key players. 3-0 is a great result! That said, some of the vile abuse I received doubting my love for Arsenal because I applauded a very good Spurs performance is crazy. More love ?
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) February 14, 2019
Tottenham fans were ready with the olive branch (notably, the Arsenal fans less so), which proves it’s a lot easier to be magnanimous when you’re on top.
Many Tottenham fans praised Wright for his honesty while others attacked the Arsenal fanbase who thought it right to respond with abuse.
Tottenham now have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League now and their odds of winning the whole thing have been slashed in half from 25/1 to 12/1 overnight.
We can only imagine the tweet Wright will send if that happens, and how that will be viewed by Arsenal fans.
In the meantime, here are the best reactions from Tottenham fans who wanted to show Wright a bit of love after his second tweeted verdict:
As a spurs fan I’ve always got the utmost respect for you Ian. Despite our obvious differences, I always find that you’re never overly biased, always honest and just use your knowledge of the game to appreciate good football! Banter is banter but respect to you! ????
— Peter Eades (@PeterEades1) February 14, 2019
If Arsenal fans can’t recognise a top class Spurs performance, that’s their problem not yours.
— Gary Chapman (@Gazby77) February 14, 2019
You’ve given credit where it’s due ?, and you’re a professional pundit so you have to be able to see what’s in front of your eyes. Doesn’t make you any less of a gooner. (And I’m sure I’m not the only Spurs fan who thinks you’re great despite that ?)
— Rachel Martin Legacy Fan ??? (@RachelVMartin) February 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/clayblack75/status/1096010436896571392
You love football and that's what shines through in everything you say, no matter who's doing well. Credit where it was due last night, the lads were brilliant in the second half ? #COYS
— Just Karen (@KarenVR4658) February 14, 2019
You are Woolwich Wrighty, but you also give credit where it's due to other teams. It probably hurts more when it's Spurs, so fair play to you. In all honesty, I don't know one fan from any team that doesn't like you. Top man.
— Martin ??????? (@martygee56) February 14, 2019
— Jamie Bacon (@Jaybacon31) February 14, 2019
You are right Ian, Spurs are brilliant COYS ?
— iammarcus (@hotspur74) February 14, 2019
I’m spurs through and through, you were an amazing player for Arsenal as well as decent fella. It’s good to applaud a good performance whoever the team, true fans enjoy a good game
— martyn (@martyntaurus) February 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/Paul_Williams10/status/1096022440302522368
Just to redress the balance, I’m a spurs fan of 40 odd years and you, even with your gooner links, are one of the best pundits on the tv. At least your honest and entertaining
— Pete (@valeyammha) February 14, 2019
Ignore them Wrighty Your love and passion for the game is second to none and your love of Arsenal is never in doubt You are a fair man and your praise of our wonderful performance last night is received in the context it was meant
— Andy TTID (@Bytor14) February 14, 2019
As a Spurs supporter, I don’t doubt your support for Arsenal. There’s no shame in acknowledging good football, whoever plays it.
— Charlie’s dad (@flufan) February 14, 2019