A French pundit has issued a half-hearted apology after receiving an almighty backlash for criticising Jeremy Doku’s decision to leave the World Cup for the birth of his child.
The Manchester City winger explained before the tournament started that he will leave the squad to be there when his first child enters the world. While it has not yet happened, that decision bewildered France Pierron, a journalist and presenter on L’Equipe de Choc.
During a debate segment on the show, she said: “You can’t miss a World Cup… 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.”
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Pierron’s controversial take sparked an immediate and fierce backlash on social media, with many calling out her outdated view. She has now backtracked, but only slightly.
In a statement posted on X, which has been translated from French, she wrote: “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.
“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 minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child.”
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View 2 ImagesJeremy Doku is expecting his first child soon(Image: Dirk Waem/Belga/Shutterstock)
Speaking on the L’Equipe show, Pierron added: “The midwife doesn’t know how to do it? Meanwhile, you’re going to waste 10 hours, you’re going to get exhausted, you’re going to have an emotional meltdown, you’re going to be completely deflated by your World Cup.”
She did receive some pushback from former boxer Brahim Asloum, who was also on the show. “A baby is your whole life,” Asloum said. “You can win a World Cup or miss it, but once it’s over, it’s over.” Pierron shot back: “But Brahim, your baby will always be there.”
Explaining his situation regarding the birth of this child before the tournament, Doku said: “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there.
“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.”
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