Jeremy Doku finds support as “karen” label sparks backlash against French reporter
· Yahoo Sports
Jeremy Doku’s plan to leave Belgium’s World Cup camp for the birth of his first child has turned into one of the tournament’s sharpest family-versus-football debates.
The Manchester City winger is preparing for fatherhood while Belgium are still trying to steady themselves in the group stage.
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Then a French reporter’s criticism pushed the argument far beyond tactics.
Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty ImagesJeremy Doku World Cup baby plan sparks France Pierron backlash
A Football Tweet post shared France Pierron’s reaction to Doku potentially leaving camp if his wife, Shireen, gives birth during the tournament.
Pierron asked: “Are you seriously telling me these players have sacrificed everything to come to the World Cup, and you’re leaving just to cut an umbilical cord?”
She continued: “You’re lucky enough to play in a World Cup. It’s an incredible privilege, and hundreds of footballers would do anything to be in your position. That opportunity might never come around again in your life.”
Pierron added: “And you’re going to throw it all away just to attend your child’s birth?”
The backlash was swift, with fans labeling her a “Karen” and accusing her of reducing a once-in-a-lifetime family moment to a sporting inconvenience. Pierron later apologized, saying she did not intend to minimize the role of fathers.
Doku receives support as Belgium World Cup pressure grows
Many fans sided firmly with Doku. One wrote: “I’m on the side of being there for your child’s birth. The World Cup is huge. The birth of your child is bigger.”
Another questioned the outrage: “I don’t get why these reporters think they have a say on a footballers personal life.”
A harsher reaction said: “Who the hell is this Karen? The birth of his child only comes once in a life time. Prioritising a World Cup over your child’s birth? That’s not dedication, that’s just being a deadbeat with better PR. Doku’s right. Real men show up.”
One fan added: “This coming from a woman baffles me even more. Indeed a woman’s greatest enemy is her fellow woman 🙌”
Another summed up the emotional argument: “Someone needs to sit her down and explain to her like a 5 year old what MOMENTS mean in a person’s life.“
Doku’s child is due in the second week of July. He played 86 minutes in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt, then missed the Iran match through illness.
Former Olympic boxing champion Brahim Asloum also backed the family-first view, making clear this debate is no longer only about football.
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