England striker Ollie Watkins has jumped to the defence of Jérémy Doku after the Belgian winger confirmed plans to return home for the birth of his first child.Doku, 24, has faced a barrage of criticism following his decision to leave Belgium’s World Cup squad when his wife goes into labour next month.
L’Equipe presenter France Pierron proved particularly outspoken in her opposition to the plan for him to fly back to his partner’s side for the arrival of their first child in July. The Manchester City star’s first child is expected to arrive in the second week of July, which clashes with the quarter-final stage of the World Cup should Belgium progress that far. However, Watkins, himself a father of two, was swift to voice his backing, saying: “A first child only happens once. Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth.”
The Aston Villa striker added: “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.” It comes after a World Cup pundit backtracked on a “disgusting” tirade aimed at Doku regarding his intention to attend the birth.
Pierron said: “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.”
On Saturday, Pierron took to X to issue an apology. “I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange,” she said.
“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.”
The controversy deepened amid reports that Pierron has been suspended by the broadcaster in the wake of her remarks, meaning she will be absent from Monday’s programme. On Sunday, they distanced themselves from the contentious comments, stating: “On Friday, June 19, during a debate on the show “L’Équipe de Choc”, France Pierron made remarks that shocked many viewers of the L’Équipe channel.
“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.”