England striker Ollie Watkins has leaped to the defence of Belgian winger Jérémy Doku, who is facing intense public backlash over his decision to temporarily leave the World Cup next month for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old Manchester City star is expecting the baby with his wife in the second week of July—a timeline that directly clashes with the World Cup quarter-finals, should Belgium advance.
The decision sparked a wave of criticism, most notably from L’Equipe presenter France Pierron, prompting a fiery debate across the football world.
However, Watkins, who has two children of his own, strongly condemned the negative commentary surrounding Doku’s family plans.
“A first child only happens once. Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth,” Watkins stated.
The Aston Villa forward emphasized the reality of childbirth, fiercely protecting his peer’s right to prioritize family over the tournament.
“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,” Watkins added.
The support follows reports that a World Cup pundit has since backtracked on their original “disgusting” tirade against Doku, amid news that a presenter involved in the row has been suspended.
