ARSENAL LEGEND Ian Wright has demanded that the African Cup of Nations gets more respect. The continent’s biggest football showcase kicks off in Cameroon on January 9 but the Match of the Day and ITV pundit argues that some Premier League managers and the media do not give the tournament the kudos it deserves.

Speaking on social media, Wright said: “Is there ever a tournament more disrespected than the Africa Cup of Nations? There is no great honour, none than representing your country. The coverage is completely tinged on racism,” he stated.

“We played our Euros across 10 countries in the middle of the pandemic and no issues. Cameroon, a single country hosting the tournament is a problem,” he added. “Imagine a journalist asking players if they will be honoring the call ups for their national teams. Have you ever heard anyone asking an English player if they ever honour a call up?”

Recently Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira also called for more respect for AFCON.

Vieira said: “It might be important for you guys (the media) to cover the Africa Cup of Nations a little bit more and to go to Africa and interview people to really understand what it means for every single one of them.

“When you are talking about Senegal I don’t think people would really understand if (Sadio) Mane or Cheikou Kouyate didn’t represent their nation.

“If there was more coverage of that competition I think people will understand more how important it is for the African continent.”

Vieira was born in Senegal and won the World Cup with France and totally understands the key role that AFCON plays. He added: “I respect and understand the passion and the importance to players to go and represent their country so I will never stop any player going to play the Africa Cup of Nations.

“I believe that that competition needs to be more respected – because this competition is as important as the European Championships.”