"Leaving the national team to give birth during the World Cup? Disgusting behavior"... A massive controversy over abusive remarks spreads

*This content was translated by AI.

Local media have launched a torrent of vulgar criticism over the national team winger leaving the national team temporarily to be present for the birth of his first child during the World Cup, sparking a major controversy.

The British media outlet 'BBC' reported on the 23rd (Korean time) that "Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) recently left Belgium's World Cup camp and headed to the UK, where his wife's delivery is imminent." The report added, "Doku played in the first group stage match against Egypt but was absent for the second match against Iran. At the time, the national team announced his absence was due to a cold, but it was revealed that he actually received approval from the Belgian national team and boarded a flight to London, UK, to be with his wife for the birth."

Regarding Doku's decision, Pierre, a host on the French media outlet 'L'Équipe' channel, strongly criticized the striker during a broadcast, stating, "A father is useless at the moment of his wife's childbirth," and used vulgar expressions such as calling Doku's actions a "disgusting moment."

Once the remarks were broadcast, fierce criticism and a major backlash erupted both inside and outside the football community. As the controversy spread, 'L'Équipe' issued an official statement saying, "Pierre's remarks are inconsistent with your company's values," and formally apologized. While Pierre himself expressed his intention to apologize, 'L'Équipe' decided to remove the host from its July broadcasts.

Colleagues and experts in the football community actively came out in support of Doku's choice. Olivier Watkins (Aston Villa), an English striker and father of two children, said, "Describing the moment of childbirth as disgusting is wrong in itself." He continued, "As someone who has witnessed the process of childbirth, welcoming a first child into the world is a blessing that happens only once in a lifetime. In a difficult situation where players spend much time away from their families during the season, missing this moment must be incredibly painful," thereby defending Doku.

Experts also lent their support. Thomas Frank, who has managed clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, stated, "Football is only the most important of the unimportant things; it is not important at all in moments like childbirth." He added, "I have always encouraged players to be present for childbirth. Doku's choice is entirely correct. He will be in the best mental state upon his return."

The English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) and Fatherhood Institute, an institutional investor supporting child-rearing, also argued, "Players should not be treated like gladiators in the Colosseum. There are moments in life that are far more valuable than money."

There have been numerous cases in the past where players rushed back to their home countries to be present for their wives' childbirth during World Cup matches. Fabian Delph returned to the UK to be with his wife during the 2018 Russia World Cup, and many star players, including David Silva and David de Gea, received consideration from their teams for major family events.

Doku is scheduled to join the Belgium national team's next training camp in Seattle and prepare for the final group stage match against New Zealand.

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*This content was translated by AI.