World Cup pundit at centre of racism storm issues apology

Former Serbian footballer Rade Bogdanovic has apologised after making racist comments on Serbian television during World Cup coverage.

Bogdanovic stated that “Black players lack concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes” while discussing a red card received by Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy during his side’s goalless draw with Iran on Sunday.

Despite social media backlash, Bogdanovic was initially retained as a pundit for another match by the Serbian broadcaster RTS.

Bogdanovic issued a statement to Reuters expressing his sincere apology for his remarks concerning Black football players.

RTS also released an apology, clarifying that Bogdanovic is an expert commentator rather than an employee, and apologised for the statement made on their programme.