A football pundit has been suspended over a series of comments about Jeremy Doku’s potential departure from the World Cup.
According to insiders, the Belgian winger could be set to pull out of the prestigious tournament ahead of the quarter-final if his country makes it all the way.
The decision has reportedly been spurred by the impending arrival of the 24-year-old’s first child.
Doku’s wife, Shireen, is due to give birth in the second week of July, which would coincide with the final eight matches of the competition.
The Manchester City star said pre-tournament: “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.”
Doku’s partner is pregnant with their first child (DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
His decision was later discussed by female sports commentator France Pierron during an instalment of L’Equipe de Choc over the weekend, who branded Doku’s predicament ‘disgraceful’.
“You can’t miss a World Cup,” she said. “And now, you’re not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?
“You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place, but you’re going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the father is useless; he has a role as an extra.”
Pierron continued: “He has a symbolic role. You hold her hand and take a photo. And then what?
“You’re going to miss 10 hours, experience an emotional high, and be exhausted afterwards. You can’t miss a World Cup.
Pierron has been suspended (Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
“Some people may have gone into debt just to get to the World Cup, maybe sacrificed everything to be there, and you’re leaving to cut an umbilical cord.”
Pierron’s comments were viewed by many as more controversial than the prospect of Doku’s absence from the quarter-final for the sake of his partner – something L’Equipe bosses reportedly quickly observed.
Shortly after her remarks were made, it was announced that the pundit had been suspended by the French broadcaster and that she’d be pulled from the Monday (22 Jun) edition of the show.
A tweet shared by journalist Clement Garin read: “NFGO CGTV. France Pierron is suspended from airing, the ‘L’Equipe’ editorial team denounces the director’s ‘hypocrisy’. According to CGTV sources, @francepierron will not be presenting #LÉquipeDeChoc this Monday.”
Pierron issued an apology (Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Following Pierron’s suspension, she provided clarity on the issue in a social media statement, which 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.”
She continued: “In it, I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange. 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.”
Featured Image Credit: DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images