French TV Commentator Apologizes After Criticizing Doku's Absence from Belgium's World Cup Match

France Pierron apologized Tuesday for describing childbirth as "a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless" while criticizing Belgium forward Jérémy Doku on the television show "L'Equipe de Choc" the previous Friday. @CBSNews reported that Pierron posted the apology on X, stating the remarks were solely her own and did not reflect a collective position.

French sports daily L'Equipe disavowed the comments in a statement late Sunday and apologized to Doku, saying the remarks did not represent its values.

Doku had announced plans to fly to London for the birth of his first child with his wife Shireen. Doku missed Belgium's 0-0 World Cup draw against Iran on Sunday because of a respiratory illness but was cleared to travel and arrived in time for the birth of his son, Praise.

He posted on social media that Shireen and Praise were doing well and expressed gratitude before returning to represent his country.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said Monday that he and other players congratulated Doku. "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," Tielemans stated. Belgium plays New Zealand on Friday at BC Place in a match that could determine whether the team advances to the knockout round after drawing its first two games.

Doku appeared in Belgium's June 15 match against Egypt in Seattle.