SportFootballFIFA World CupJeremy Doku has been criticised as 'disgusting' for his decision to leave the Belgium squad to be with his wife for the birth of their first child02:45, 22 Jun 2026England striker Ollie Watkins has leapt to the defence of Jérémy Doku after the Belgian winger is set to return home for the birth of his first child.‌Doku, 24, has faced a wave of criticism for his decision to leave Belgium's World Cup camp when his wife goes into labour, next month. L'Equipe presenter France Pierron, in particular, was a vocal critic of the plan to return to his partner's bedside for the birth of their first child in July.‌The Manchester City star's first child is due to be born in the second week of July which coincides with the quarter-final of the World Cup, should Belgium get there. Yet Watkins, a father of two himself, was quick to offer his support, he said: "A first child only happens once. Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!"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."It follows a World Cup pundit rowing back on a "disgusting" outburst directed at Doku over his plans to be present at the birth.‌Pierron said: "This outrages me. When you are lucky enough to play at a World Cup, hundreds of footballers would kill to be in your place."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."‌On Saturday, Pierron took to X to issue an apology. "I was expressing a personal opinion, within the context of a contentious exchange," she said."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 fallout continues with reports circulating that Pierron has been suspended by the broadcaster following her comments, which will mean she will miss Monday's show. On Sunday, they distanced themselves from the controversial comments. They said in a statement: "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.Article continues below"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."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌England football teamFIFA World CupWorld Cup 2026