Doku ‘not against’ journalist who criticised him at World Cup

Jeremy Doku, a Manchester City winger, has stated that he is "not against" the journalist who criticised his decision to leave the Belgian camp during the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. His wife, Shireen, was due to give birth during the second week of July. Doku had planned to depart from the camp even if Belgium remained competitive in the tournament.

However, this move drew harsh criticism from L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron, who called a father "completely useless" at the time of the child's birth. In response, L'Equipe later apologized, stating that Pierron's comments were "very far removed" from their values, and Pierron apologized as well, but was taken off air until the end of the show's season.

Doku later explained his decision to leave the camp in a YouTube video. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding the timing of his departure and expressed understanding for those who questioned his actions. Doku also shared his desire to pray for the journalist, emphasizing that he did not wish to harshly judge her or be critical of her opinion.

He noted that the journalist had faced repercussions, including being fired, and expressed sympathy for her situation. Despite his absence due to illness during Belgium's match against Iran, Doku's team statement confirmed that he had traveled to London to be with his wife, with the approval and presence of a team doctor, for the birth of their son, Praise.