Arsenal veteran legend, Ian Wright is bereaved as he loses mum only 30 seconds before going live on ITV’s FA Cup coverage.
When the 58-year-old learned of the news, he was watching Rochdale’s second-round match against Plymouth Argyle and departed at half-time.
Wright was reared in Brockley, south London, by his 94-year-old mother Nesta.
Presenter Mark Pougatch informed the audience of the Gunners legend’s early departure at the break after he had been in his customary upbeat mood during the first half of the match.
At the Crown Oil Arena, the former England striker appeared alongside ex-Rochdale striker Grant Holt, with Plymouth scoring a late goal to advance to the third round.
Wright retired from football in 2000, although he is still a fixture on UK football coverage.
He is a member of the BBC’s Match of the Day punditry team, as well as ITV’s coverage of England and Wales.
Jordon Garrick’s header gave Ryan Lowe’s side the lead in the first half.
But Rochdale fought back in the second period, and their efforts were rewarded when Aaron Morley tied the game at 1-1 with a long-range shot just before the hour mark.
With a replay on the horizon on the south coast, Argyle snatched a win thanks to Luke Jephcott’s goal, which secured their place in the third round.
The Green Army, who arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning from Devon, will be hoping to be handed a Premier League team at the next stage
