TV presenter apologises after criticising Jeremy Doku for leaving squad

Journalist France Pierron apologised on Saturday after a debate on L'Equipe de Choc in which she criticised Jeremy Doku's decision to temporarily leave the Belgium squad to be present for the birth of his first child. On air she described a World Cup appearance as 'a privilege' and added that leaving it to attend the birth was 'a disgusting moment, excuse my language, where the father is useless, he's just an extra.' The comments drew swift criticism on social media and from colleagues.

Pierron posted on X that her remarks were a personal opinion, not a collective position, writing: 'I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry.' She said her intention was never to 'minimise the place or role of fathers with their partners and children.' Doku has been clear that family comes first while recognising his responsibilities to Belgium.

Belgium

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