Ian Wright forced to leave ITV's FA Cup coverage over family bereavement

By Heather Carrick
Published 6th Dec 2021, 17:26 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2021, 17:27 BST
Ian Wright abruptly left ITV's FA Cup coverage after receiving news that his mother had passed away. (Credit: Getty) Ian Wright abruptly left ITV's FA Cup coverage after receiving news that his mother had passed away. (Credit: Getty)
Ian Wright abruptly left ITV's FA Cup coverage after receiving news that his mother had passed away. (Credit: Getty)

Former footballer Ian Wright left the ITV coverage of last weekend’s FA Cup fixture mid programme, leaving viewers wondering where the Arsenal legend had disappeared to.

Wright, who retired in 2000, was a pundit for the Rochdale v Plymouth Argyle game on Sunday afternoon (5 December) before leaving the stadium during halftime, 30 seconds before Wright and fellow pundits were due to go on air.

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But why did Ian Wright leave the Crown Oil Arena and what happened to his family?

Why was Ian Wright forced off air?

Viewers watched Wright, 58, fail to return to screens on Sunday during the coverage after the pundit received some distressing news.

Wright was given news that his mum had unfortunately died during the Rochdale v Plymouth Argyle match.

He was due to go on air during half time to discuss the game so far but was rushed away after being given the news.