Off the PitchBBC SportUnverified source· 11 Aug 2026
Doku forgives journalist who criticized his World Cup leave
Jeremy Doku faced backlash for leaving Belgium's World Cup camp to attend his son's birth, but he holds no grudge.
J. Doku
player
Who
Jeremy Doku
What
Responded to criticism over leaving World Cup camp for birth of his son
When
During World Cup, birth in July
Where
Belgium camp, flew back to UK
What happened. Jeremy Doku says he is not against the journalist who criticized his decision to leave Belgium's World Cup camp to attend the birth of his first child, and he even prayed for her.
- Doku missed Belgium's 0-0 draw against Iran to fly to UK for son's birth.
- Journalist France Pierron called him 'completely useless' and was taken off air.
- Doku understands why some questioned the timing but urges people not to be harsh on her.
“I don't want to come at her in a way that most people did. I don't want people to be too harsh on her.”
— Jeremy Doku
Doku's response may help move past the controversy as he focuses on his career at Manchester City.
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