England's Watkins Defends Doku over Baby Birth World Cup Dilemma
Pierron said Doku should not leave the tournament, then apologized after backlash over comments about the Belgium winger’s first child.
- French television presenter France Pierron apologized on Saturday for criticizing Belgium winger Jeremy Doku's plan to leave the World Cup for his first child's birth, following fierce social media backlash.
- During a broadcast on L'Equipe de Choc, Pierron called the decision 'a disgusting moment' where the father is 'completely useless,' arguing players should prioritize the World Cup over attending their child's birth.
- Doku, 24, stated he would 'definitely want to be there' for the birth, a choice defended on Sunday by England striker Ollie Watkins, who said childbirth is 'not a way to label a birth' as disgusting.
- In her apology posted on X, Pierron clarified, 'My intention has never been to minimise the place or role of fathers,' stating her remarks were a personal opinion expressed within a debate framework.
- Doku's wife, Shireen, is due in the second week of July, coinciding with the World Cup quarter-finals, meaning he may miss a critical match if Belgium advances in the tournament.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Is it more important a World Cup or the birth of the first child? In the end there is this simple question behind the storm that has unleashed between France and Belgium after the words of journalist France Pierron, presenter of the TV channel of the team. Being at the side of his wife and witnessing the birth should be the priority desire of any father, there is no football match that holds. Therefore it is entirely legitimate the request of th…
England's Watkins defends Doku over baby birth World Cup dilemma
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 21 : England striker Ollie Watkins has defended Belgium winger Jeremy Doku's wish to leave the World Cup to be present for the birth of his first child, arguing that family matters should take precedence over football. Watkins, a father of two, dismissed criticism of the Manchester
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
