TV host sorry for slamming player for leaving World Cup for baby's birth

A prominent French TV host has issued an apology following significant backlash for her critical remarks about Belgian forward Jérémy Doku's decision to leave the World Cup temporarily to be present for the birth of his child.

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These remarks are solely my own and in no way reflect a collective position. I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that.

France Pierron, a commentator on the show "L'Equipe de Choc," described childbirth as "a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless." Her comments, made on Friday, quickly drew widespread criticism online and from various media outlets.

Pierron took to social media platform X on Tuesday to apologize, stating that her remarks were personal and did not represent a collective stance. "I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry for that," she wrote. Her employer, the French sports daily L'Equipe, also released a statement late Sunday disavowing her comments and apologizing to Doku, asserting that the remarks did not align with the publication's values.

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Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude. Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. Thank you to the team for the support, now it's time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage.

Doku successfully traveled to London for the birth of his son, Praise. He shared his gratitude for the supportive messages received, calling the birth "one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me." Belgium's captain, Youri Tielemans, also voiced his support for Doku, emphasizing the importance of family. "I think having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world," Tielemans said, reflecting on his own experiences as a father.

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I think having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world that you can have, and being there, it's more than normal as a dad, as a mom, obviously. But yeah, being there as a dad, for myself, I have three and it's memories you can't take back. So, yeah, very happy for him.