England striker Ollie Watkins has come to the defence of Belgium winger Jeremy Doku, who expressed his wish to leave the World Cup temporarily to attend the birth of his first child. Watkins stated that family should always come before football.

Watkins, himself a father of two, dismissed criticism directed at the Manchester City player after L’Equipe television presenter France Pierron described childbirth as a “disgusting moment…where the dad is completely useless”.

Pierron had voiced her outrage at Doku’s decision to prioritise family over football commitments during the tournament.

Speaking on Sunday, Watkins said, “I think for a start, ‘disgusting’ is not a word you should use to describe a birth. The first child only comes once. Welcoming your child into the world is a blessing, and you don’t get that chance again.”

He added, “There are many times when you’re away from your family and friends during the season, and those are very difficult periods. So missing that moment would be really tough.”

The Aston Villa forward emphasised that footballers should have the freedom to make personal decisions when faced with major life events.

“I understand where Doku is coming from. He has every right to go back and be present,” Watkins stated. “We’re very privileged men, and I’m sure he’ll have plenty of support to get there as soon as possible, to be with his wife Shireen, and then return to the team.”

“It’s really no one else’s business. If he chooses to go back for that, I think that’s completely fair,” Watkins added.

Watkins further mentioned that he would make the same decision if he were in Doku’s situation. “I’d want to do it too. I don’t see any issue with that,” he said.

The 24-year-old Doku is one of Belgium’s key players. He played 86 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Egypt during their World Cup opener but missed the 0-0 draw against Iran due to illness.

Doku shared with reporters that his wife is due to give birth in the second week of July, coinciding with the quarter-final stage of the tournament. He said that if Belgium were still competing, he would want to be present for the birth.

As it stands, Belgium’s performance in the tournament might have already resolved the issue for him. “It depends on when it happens, but as it’s my first child, I’d absolutely want to be there,” Doku said.

Reports from Belgian media suggest that arrangements would likely be made for a private flight to England, where the baby is expected to be born.

Following widespread backlash online, Pierron later issued an apology for her remarks about Doku. She had initially said, “Doku’s decision outrages me. When you are fortunate enough to play in a World Cup, there are hundreds of footballers who would give anything to be in your position.”

In her apology released on Saturday, Pierron wrote, “I understand that my comments may have shocked, offended, or hurt some of you, and I sincerely apologise. My intention was never to diminish the place or role of fathers with their partners and children.”