L'Equipe presenter France Pierron has been suspended following controversial comments about Belgium forward Jeremy Doku, who plans to leave the World Cup squad to attend the birth of his first child. The Manchester City winger, 24, confirmed his intention to depart when his wife goes into labour in July, sparking criticism from Pierron during a debate on the show 'L'Équipe de Choc'.
Pierron's outburst and suspension
Pierron said: "The World Cup is an incredible joy. There are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your shoes. It might never happen again in your life. You're living out a childhood dream, yet you're going to walk away from it all to attend the birth of your child - a disgusting moment, if you'll pardon the expression, where the dad is completely useless."
Following backlash, Pierron was suspended from Monday's programme. She apologised on X, stating: "I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange. I understand that they may have shocked, hurt, or wounded some of you, and I am sorry for that."
England star shows support
England striker Ollie Watkins, a father of two, defended Doku, saying: "A first child only happens once. Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth. I have seen what my wife has had to go through. A first child happens only once, and welcoming them is a blessing. I don't think it is anyone else's business."
Channel distances itself
On Sunday, L'Equipe released a statement: "On Friday, June 19, during a debate on the show 'L'Équipe de Choc', France Pierron made remarks that shocked many viewers. The team disassociates itself from these remarks which are very far removed from the Group's values and apologizes to the footballer concerned and more generally to its fans."
Doku's child is due in the second week of July, potentially coinciding with the World Cup quarter-finals if Belgium progresses.
