Former Atletico Madrid striker Rade Bogdanovic has faced backlash after suggesting that ‘black players lack concentration’ live on Serbian television.
Bogdanovic made the comments on a World Cup programme aired by RTS, Serbia’s public broadcaster, during their coverage of Belgium’s goalless draw with Iran.
Rudi Garcia’s side were seeking their first win of the tournament but were hampered after defender Nathan Ngoy was shown a red card in the second half.
The centre-back underhit a pass to Thibaut Courtois before hauling down Iran’s Mehdi Taremi as he looked to pick up the ball and go clean through on goal.
Don’t miss a World Cup moment
We’re witnessing history at this World Cup – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up.
But discussing the sending off after the game, Bogdanovic drew widespread condemnation after he questioned the focus and stamina of black players.
‘I have always said those players – and I’m really not racist – but black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes,’ Bogdanovic said.
‘When we played, we sometimes had to protect our own players to stop them making mistakes.’
The 56-year-old’s comments were immediately challenged by the show’s host, but Bogdanovic doubled down, insisting that ‘the majority lack concentration’.
The former striker, who made three appearances for Yugoslavia in 1997, has since apologised for his comments.
‘I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players,’ he said in a brief statement to Reuters.
Broadcaster RTS also issued an official apology, saying that Bogdanovic was only working with the company as an ‘expert commentator’ for this summer’s tournament.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to apologise, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race,’ it said.
Earlier in the tournament, former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart came under fire for an offensive ‘joke’ he made about Japan’s World Cup team.
Van der Vaart ‘jokingly’ cited Japan’s players all ‘looking alike’ as a possible explanation for the Dutch’s mixed defensive performance in the 2-2 draw in Dallas.
He later apologised and said his intention was ‘never to insult, hurt, or discriminate against anyone’.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.