Belgium suffered a crushing 0-0 defeat to Iran in the second Group G match of the World Cup on Sunday, and coach Rade Bogdanovic lashed out on Serbian television.
Nathan Goy sent off during Belgium and Iran’s 0-0 draw (Image: Nico Vereecken/Getty Images)
A TV pundit has come under fire for making offensive racist comments during a World Cup match. Former player Rade Bogdanovic, who was a pundit on Serbian television during Sunday’s match between Belgium and Iran, expressed racist views.
Belgium suffered a disappointing 0-0 draw with Iran in their second Group G match in Los Angeles. The star-studded Belgian team also drew with Egypt and faces the prospect of early elimination.
Defender Nathan Goy was sent off for a last-man foul in the 66th minute, damaging their chances of winning the crucial game. The 23-year-old had just earned his sixth cap for his country and was disappointed to be let go.
After the final whistle, viewers on Serbian state broadcaster RTS were bombarded with vile comments about Bogdanovic, who played for Atletico Madrid, Werder Bremen and Yugoslavia during his playing days.
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“To be the last defender at this level and get sent off for missing a stationary ball…I’ve always said to these players, and I’m not a racist, but black players don’t have the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes,” Bogdanovic said.
“I played with them. Sometimes we had to protect our players from making mistakes. In modern football, you can’t afford these kinds of mistakes at World Cup level.”
Following pushback from the presenter, the 56-year-old added: “If you want to go into detail, you can go into detail. They make mistakes too. Of course, I’m not generalizing, but most people lack focus, which is why situations like this happen.”
Rade Bogdanovic makes racist remarks on Serbian TV (Image: RTS)
The former striker was much more positive against Iran, who picked up points for the second straight game following a 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
“Iran is already a winner, considering the age, experience and playing conditions of the team,” Bogdanovic said. “I didn’t see them in the media and the fans weren’t ready to support them.
“I really hope they beat Egypt and that Egypt wins tonight. I support them. You can really see the attitude towards the coat of arms.”
Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 and took first place in Group G. Mohamed Salah scored the decisive second goal, securing his first World Cup victory in his fourth appearance.
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