Overview
- Ian Wright told The Overlap/Stick to Football that criticism of Jude Bellingham reflects racial bias, saying some in the media are not ready for a confident Black superstar.
- The comments followed Bellingham’s visible frustration at being substituted in England’s 2-0 win over Albania, which Thomas Tuchel said he would review while reiterating behavioural standards.
- Gary Neville recalled Raheem Sterling feeling unfairly targeted in 2016, and Rio Ferdinand backed Bellingham by saying strong reactions to substitutions are common among elite competitors.
- Wright said he privately warned Bellingham before the November camp to “be ready” for a media backlash, describing the scrutiny as relentless unless form shifts the narrative.
- Context to the debate includes Bellingham’s October omission and November recall, a substitute appearance against Serbia, and his later withdrawal versus Albania before returning to Real Madrid duties.