Ollie Watkins defends Doku's birth plan as L'Equipe presenter suspended over 'disgusting' outburst

Ollie Watkins has publicly defended Jérémy Doku after the Manchester City winger faced a backlash for planning to leave Belgium’s World Cup squad to be present at the birth of his first child, with the L’Equipe presenter who sparked the controversy reportedly suspended by her broadcaster.

Doku, 24, is expecting his first child in the second week of July — a window that could coincide with Belgium’s potential quarter-final at the World Cup. L’Equipe presenter France Pierron drew widespread condemnation after dismissing the plan on air, saying: “It’s a unique moment, a childhood dream come true. And you’re going to walk away from that to be at the birth of your child? I’m sorry, the father serves no purpose. He is an extra. He just holds your hand and takes a photo.”

Watkins, a father of two, was unequivocal in his response. “A first child only happens once,” the England striker said. “Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth. I have seen what my wife has had to go through. A first child happens only once, and welcoming them is a blessing. I don’t think it is anyone else’s business.”

Pierron subsequently issued an apology on X, writing: “I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange. 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.”

The apology has not shielded her from professional consequences. Reports indicate Pierron has been suspended by L’Equipe, meaning she will miss the channel’s Monday programme. The broadcaster also distanced itself from her remarks in a formal statement issued on Sunday.

“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,” the statement read. “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 not yet publicly commented on the row.