A French TV presenter has issued an apology after criticising Jeremy Doku for wanting to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child.
L’Equipe channel presenter France Pierron said she was ‘outraged’ that Belgium star could leave the tournament and claimed ‘the father serves no purpose’ during childbirth.
Doku’s wife Shireen is due to give birth in the second week of July, when the quarter-finals of the World Cup are due to be played and Belgium have a decent chance of making it to that stage.
Last week, the Manchester City winger made clear his intention to be there for his wife and newborn, though a plan to fly from the USA to England and back had not been finalised.
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‘It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,’ the 24-year-old told Reuters.
‘If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child. But I also know that football involves many other considerations.
‘I know the federation supports its players and understands their situations. We’ll see what we can do.’
Players departing a major international tournament to attend the birth of their children is nothing new, with Phil Foden briefly leaving the England camp during Euro 2024 for that very reason.
But Doku’s comments have prompted some criticism, most notably from presenter and journalist Pierron, who launched a scathing attack while appearing on L’Équipe de choc.
‘This outrages me,’ she said. ‘When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place.
‘It’s a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you’re going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child?
‘You can’t miss a World Cup… And now, you’re not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?
‘I’m sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo.
‘You’re going to take a 10-hour flight, exhaust yourself, go through the wringer emotionally… how can you return to play after that? The baby will always be there.’
Pierron’s outburst prompted significant and fierce backlash on social media and on Saturday evening, she issued a statement on X in response.
Translated from French, it read: ‘In light of the very numerous reactions following my comments in “L’Équipe de Choc” regarding Belgian footballer Jérémy Doku, I wish to provide a few clarifications.
‘In it, I expressed a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate. These remarks commit only me and in no way reflect a collective position.
‘I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that. My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.’
Doku is in fact one of several players at the World Cup in this predicament, including Belgium teammate Brandon Mechele whose wife is due to give birth in late July.
Belgium began their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw with Egypt and take on Iran in Los Angeles on Sunday night, but Doku will miss the match through illness.
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