‘Father Is Useless at Birth’: TV Host’s Comments on Jeremy Doku Draw Fury and Suspension

Belgian footballer Jeremy Doku is at the centre of a controversy that has little to do with football and everything to do with priorities.

The Manchester City winger's decision to consider leaving the World Cup to witness the birth of his child drew widespread admiration. What followed from a French TV presenter, however, drew something very different.

Who Is Jeremy Doku and What Is His World Cup Dilemma?

Jeremy Doku is a Belgian winger and one of his country's most exciting footballers. His wife Shireen is due to give birth in July, which coincides directly with the latter stages of the World Cup. If Belgium continue progressing, he has indicated he may leave the tournament early to be with his family, a decision that has drawn broad public support.

What Did the TV Presenter Say That Caused Such Outrage?

France Pierron, a presenter on French sports channel L'Equipe, called Doku's position disgraceful on the show L'Equipe de Choc. According to the Mirror, she argued that a footballer could not afford to miss a World Cup for a birth, which she described as a "disgusting moment" where the father is "useless" and plays "a role as an extra."

Why Did Her Comments Trigger Such a Strong Backlash?

The remarks were widely condemned as dismissive of paternal involvement in childbirth. Fans and commentators across Europe pushed back sharply, arguing that no sporting event outweighs being present for the birth of one's child.

Has the TV Presenter Faced Any Consequences?

Reportedly, Pierron was suspended from L'Equipe's programme on 22 June, three days after the backlash erupted on Friday 19 June.

Did the Presenter Apologise?

Pierron issued a statement saying her comments were a personal opinion expressed during a debate. She said she understood her words may have "shocked, hurt, or wounded" viewers and expressed regret, adding that her intention was never to minimise the role of fathers, as per LADBible.

What Did L'Equipe Say Officially?

According to LADBible, the channel distanced itself entirely from Pierron's remarks, stating they were “very far removed from the Group's values” and offering a direct apology to Jeremy Doku and its audience.

What Does This Row Reveal About Modern Attitudes?

The scale of the backlash suggests public attitudes toward fatherhood have shifted considerably. The notion that a World Cup appearance could reasonably take precedence over witnessing one's child's birth found virtually no mainstream support, leaving Pierron's position firmly isolated.

(With inputs from yMedia)