Watkins defends Doku over World Cup baby departure, saying “It’s nobody’s business”

‘It’s nobody’s business’ – Watkins defends Doku over World Cup baby departure

Doku

England striker Ollie Watkins has come to the defence of Belgian winger Jérémy Doku, who is facing strong public criticism after announcing that he will temporarily leave the World Cup next month to attend the birth of his first child.

The 24‑year‑old Manchester City player is due to welcome the baby with his wife in the second week of July, a period that would overlap with the World Cup quarter‑finals if Belgium progresses.

The decision triggered a wave of criticism, most notably from L’Équipe presenter France Pierron, and sparked a heated debate across the football community.

Watkins, who has two children of his own, strongly condemned the negative commentary directed at 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 said.

The Aston Villa forward highlighted the realities of childbirth and defended his colleague’s right to prioritise 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 comes after reports that a World Cup pundit has since retracted their original “disgusting” remarks about Doku, amid news that a presenter involved in the dispute has been suspended.

Vanguard News