World Cup pundit releases apology over racist comment on live TV | Football | Sport
Rade Bogdanovic has apologised (Image: RTS)
Rade Bogdanovic has issued an apology after making racist remarks on Serbian television while providing World Cup coverage which sparked widespread outrage. The former Atletico Madrid striker claimed that: “black players lack concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes,” after Belgium’s goalless stalemate with Iran.
His comments emerged as he analysed Nathan Ngoy’s red card 66 minutes into the match, with the young defender dismissed after bringing down Mehdi Taremi as the last man. Speaking on RTS, Bogdanovic delivered an extraordinarily contentious opinion. He said: “I have always said those players – and I’m really not racist – but black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.
“I played with them. Sometimes we had to protect our own players from making mistakes. Modern football doesn’t allow this kind of error at World Cup level.”
The programme’s presenter immediately challenged Bogdanovic’s remarks, yet the 56-year-old remained steadfast in his view, insisting: “The majority lack concentration”. Despite fierce online criticism, RTS still featured the former Werder Bremen man in their coverage for the subsequent day’s fixture between Argentina and Austria.
Bogdanovic has now apologised for his language. He told Reuters: “I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players.” RTS also released a separate apology, writing: “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race.”
The comments were made after Nathan Ngoy was sent off (Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
It comes after FIFA’s efforts last week to intensify their battle against discrimination to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The governing body launched “high-impact stadium activations” across Atlanta, Guadalajara, Los Angeles and Vancouver to deliver a “rallying cry” to stamp out discrimination and “protect football.”
National captains exchanged specially designed commemorative pendants bearing the native languages of competing nations on one side, alongside an English translation of: “WE PLAY TOGETHER. WE STAND AGAINST HATE,” on the reverse. Commenting on the initiative, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Hate speech has no place in football or in society.
“On the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we reaffirm our tireless commitment to eradicating discriminatory abuse in all its forms. When players, coaches and match officials are targeted, it is an attack on football itself.
“We have a duty to protect them, and a duty to protect followers from hateful abuse and from the idea that such behaviour is acceptable. That is why we have strengthened the FIFA Disciplinary Code, launched the No Racism campaign and empowered players, coaches and match officials through the No Racism gesture.
“Hate speech is a systemic challenge that requires strong alliances to confront. Through FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service and with the support of partners such as @tiktok, we are working together to tackle hate, help make digital spaces safer and ensure that respect always has a place in our beautiful game and online.”
FIFA have also introduced a new regulation at this summer’s tournament, whereby any player caught covering their mouth while speaking to others on the pitch faces an immediate red card, irrespective of whether any malicious intent is involved. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player to be dismissed under the new rule, shielding his mouth during a conversation midway through his side’s encounter with Turkey last week.
Almiron made the gesture as he walked past Mert Muldur, following the separation of the two sets of players after a brief skirmish. The assistant referee was quick to act, and Almiron was promptly shown the red card.
Reflecting on the incident at full time, Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro said: “According to the law, if you cover your mouth you’re sent off. Red card.
“There’s nothing I can do about that. Unfortunately, we can’t issue a new opinion on this. He [Almiron] apologised to the players for his mistake. He knew about the situation he had left his team-mates in with his actions.”
The precise nature of Almiron’s words remain unclear, however the midfielder will now be ruled out of Paraguay’s concluding group stage fixture against Australia on Saturday, June 26.
