Jeremy Doku birth row escalates with divisive World Cup pundit ‘taken off air’ as England star gives perfect response
THE presenter at the centre of the Jeremy Doku baby controversy has reportedly been suspended over her outburst.
L’Equipe’s France Pierron caused international outrage last week with her response to news that Doku could miss the World Cup quarter-final for Belgium, should they make it, to be at the side of his wife Shireen for the birth of their first child.
She outrageously said: “You can’t miss a World Cup.
“And now, you’re not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?
“You have the chance to participate in a World Cup, and there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place.
“But you’re going to leave all that to go and witness the birth of your child, which is a disgusting moment.
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“Excuse me, where the father is useless, he has a role as an extra.”
According to reports, Pierron has been pulled from Monday’s episode of L’Equipe de Choc – the show on which she made the comments.
French Outlet Clement Garin wrote on X: “NFGO CGTV. France Pierron suspended from airing, the ‘L’Equipe’ editorial team denounces the directory’s “hypocrisy”.
“According to CGTV sources, @francepierron will not be presenting #LÉquipeDeChoc this Monday.
“A decision the editorial team does not understand, because it was the management itself that ordered not to delete the post when it started to go viral.
“It was only when the backlash became unmanageable that management changed its tune by demanding the post be deleted… and turning against its own journalist!”
Pierron, 44, has yet to speak out on her alleged suspension, although she has issued a half-hearted apology to Doku.
She said: “In light of the very numerous reactions following my comments in ‘L’Equipe de Choc’ regarding Belgian footballer Jeremy Doku, I wish to provide a few clarifications.
“In it, I expressed a personal opinion, within the framework of a debate.
“In it, I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange.
“These remarks commit only me and in no way reflect a collective position.
“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.”
L’Equipe have issued a statement condemning Pierron’s comments, which read: ” 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.”
It added: “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 has yet to speak on Pierron’s comments on his plans to attend the birth of his first child.
One player who has spoken out however is England striker Ollie Watkins.
The Aston Villa ace backed Doku – whatever decision he takes.
The father of two said: “Someone labelled it ‘disgusting’. For a start, that’s not a way to label a birth.
“I have two kids. I’ve seen what my wife had to go through in birth, and that was quite smooth sailing. I know family members and friends that haven’t had it that way. Your first child, welcoming them to the world, is a blessing.
”There’s a lot of times when you’re away from family and friends during the season, and it’s very difficult periods.
”So to miss that would be tough. I see where he [Doku] is coming from. He has all rights to go back and be there.”
Belgium are currently in danger of missing out on the last 32 as they’re sitting behind Egypt and Iran in THIRD place in Group G.
They’ll look to book passage to the knockout phases on Saturday night with a win over rock-bottom New Zealand.
