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Doku 'not against' journalist who criticised him at World Cup

Jeremy Doku says he is "not against" the journalist who criticised his plan to leave the Belgium camp during the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child.

Doku 'not against' journalist who criticised him at World Cup

Jeremy Doku has stated he is not against the journalist who criticized his decision to leave the Belgian World Cup camp for his wife's birth. Doku's wife, Shireen, was expected to give birth in mid-July, and he had planned to join her, even if Belgium remained competitive. However, his absence sparked backlash from France Pierron of L'Equipe, who dubbed a father "completely useless" at the time of a child's birth.

L'Equipe later apologized, saying Pierron's remarks were "very far removed" from the network's values. Doku eventually missed Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran to return to the UK for his son's birth. In a YouTube video, he expressed understanding for those questioning his timing, acknowledging the potential perception of a premeditated move.

Despite the criticism, Doku emphasized that he doesn't harbor animosity towards the journalist and implores for empathy, recognizing the importance of supporting someone's opinion without harsh judgment.

Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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