Ex-England star Shaun Wright-Phillips fumes after daughter is unable to play in football tournament

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS was left fuming after his daughter's team were unable to compete in a football tournament.

Soon-to-be departing Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright, 60, is a huge advocate of the women’s game and he will no doubt be delighted to see his grandchild following in his family’s footsteps out on the pitch.

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His son Shaun, 42, starred for Manchester City, Chelsea and England during an illustrious career and won the Premier League title in 2006.

His 38-year-old brother, Wright’s other son, Bradley Wright-Phillips is also an ex-forward who played for Southampton and Charlton before enjoying great success in America’s MLS.

And the next generation of Wrights are already making their own way in the professional game with the Gunners icon’s grandson, Shaun’s 22-year-old boy D’Margio Wright-Phillips, currently starring for Stoke in the Championship.

However, another member of the family was unable to play in an upcoming tournament, it was claimed.

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Raphaella, who signed a youth contract with Arsenal last year, plays alongside her friends for a team that are backed by her father Shaun.

But they were not allowed to participate in a competition due to those elite academy links.

Wright-Phillips has hit out at that decision, saying that “stronger players” are being punished for being “too good”.

He wrote on X: “So today I was told my daughter Raphaella is NOT allowed to play with her friends in local girls tournaments or any general participation because she is effectively 'too good'.

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“She is 10 years old! She simply wants to play football with her friends. There should not be an ability restriction. 

“Players in general will have all kinds of skill levels, and it's my view any 'stronger players' should not be punished for this.'

“There will naturally be all variations of ability in all walks of life, and it's important for everyone to be competitive and set bars to improve one another. 

“Very disappointed to hear this BuryOfficial and MarlowFC.”

Grassroot tournament rules clearly stated players with links to academies could not participate.

The tournament was also for players aged nine or under, making Raphaella ineligible in any case.

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