England striker Ollie Watkins has robustly defended Belgium winger Jeremy Doku’s desire to leave the World Cup for the birth of his first child, asserting that family commitments should always outweigh footballing duties. His comments come in response to a controversial television presenter who dismissed childbirth as a “disgusting moment.”
Watkins, a father of two himself, directly addressed the criticism levelled at the Manchester City player after L’Equipe TV presenter France Pierron described childbirth as a “disgusting moment… where the dad is completely useless.” Pierron had expressed outrage at Doku’s potential decision to prioritise his family.
“I think for a start (disgusting) is not a way to label a birth,” Watkins stated on Sunday, unequivocally rejecting Pierron’s characterisation.
He emphasised the unique significance of the event: “It only happens once, your first child. Welcoming them into the world is a blessing, and you don’t get that opportunity (again).”
The Aston Villa forward highlighted the personal sacrifices footballers often make, adding, “There’s a lot of times where you’re away from family and friends during the season, and it’s very difficult periods. So, to miss that would be tough.”
Watkins argued that professional footballers must retain the autonomy to make personal choices during significant life events. “I see where (Doku) is coming from. I think he has all the right to go back and be there,” he affirmed.
He also suggested that Doku, as a “very privileged man,” would likely have the resources to facilitate his quick return. “I’m sure he will have a lot of support to be able to get there as quickly as possible, make sure he’s there to support her (wife Shireen), and then fly back out,” Watkins said.
Concluding, the 30-year-old added: “So I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business, I think if he goes back and does that, I think that’s fair enough.” Watkins confirmed he would make the same choice: “I would want to do it. I don’t see the problem with it.”
The 24-year-old Doku, a key player for Belgium who featured for 86 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Egypt, had previously expressed his intent to be present.
He told reporters that his wife was due to give birth in the second week of July, coinciding with the World Cup’s quarter-final stage. “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” he stated. Belgian media reported that a private plane to England, where the birth is expected, would likely be arranged to facilitate his travel.
Pierron has since issued an apology following a significant backlash on social media. Her initial comments included: “When you are lucky enough to appear at a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would kill to be in your place.”
On Saturday, she posted on social media: “I understand that they may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I am sorry. My intention was never to minimize the place or role of fathers with their partners and children.”
