England striker Ollie Watkins has leapt to the defence of Jérémy Doku after the Belgian winger faced criticism for his decision to leave the World Cup camp to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. Doku, 24, is expected to miss Belgium's potential quarter-final clash in July when his wife goes into labour.
Watkins Offers Support
Watkins, a father of two, offered his support to Doku, stating: "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."
Presenter's Controversial Comments
L'Equipe presenter France Pierron was a vocal critic of Doku's plan, saying: "This outrages me. When you are lucky enough to play at a World Cup, hundreds of footballers 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? I'm sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo."
Apology and Suspension
On Saturday, Pierron issued an apology 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. My intention has never been to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partner and their child." Reports indicate that Pierron has been suspended by the broadcaster and will miss Monday's show. L'Equipe distanced themselves from her comments, saying: "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."
