TV Host Apologises For Telling Jeremy Doku To Miss Birth Of His Child For The World Cup

Belgium star Jeremy Doku has been catching some flak after deciding to leave the World Cup and abandon his national team in order to attend the birth of his first child.

Seem fair enough, right? Well not according to French TV presenter France Pierron, who ripped into the Man City star for choosing family over football.

L’Equipe host France Pierron said she was ‘outraged’ that Doku would leave the tournament and claimed ‘the father serves no purpose’ during childbirth.

On live TV, she said: ‘This outrages me. 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.’

Pretty daft thing to say, especially around Father’s Day, and naturally social media let rip on Pierron, who has now issued something of an apology on X.

Translated from French, it reads: ‘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.’

Sounds more like a ‘sorry if you were offended’ kind of apology, which is fair enough if that’s how she really feels. Besides, she got her viral clip and that’s what matters to these people at the end of the day.

Previously, Doku, 24, had told Reuters: ‘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.’

In fairness to Doku, Belgium have been absolutely washed thus far and might not even make it out of the group stage, so he may as well go home and be there for the birth of his first child. Good for him for having his priorities right.

For the Brazilian psychic who claims that thousands will be abducted by a massive UFO at the Brazil v Scotland game this Wednesday, click HERE. Just two days to go.