Rade Bogdanovic has issued an apology after his racist remarks on Serbian TV during FIFA World Cup coverage sparked widespread outrage. The former Atletico Madrid striker claimed that: "Black players lack concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes," while Belgium were held to a scoreless tie by Iran.
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The comments emerged as he analyzed Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy's red card 66 minutes into the match, the 23-year-old receiving an early dismissal after bringing down Mehdi Taremi as the last man back. And speaking on RTS, Bogdanovic delivered an extremely controversial opinion.
He said, via The Mirror: "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.
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"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 program's presenter immediately challenged Bogdanovic's remarks, yet the 56-year-old remained steadfast in his position, adding: "The majority lack concentration." Despite online criticism, RTS still featured the former Werder Bremen striker in their lineup for the subsequent day's game between Argentina and Austria.
However, Bogdanovic has since expressed regret for his language. He told Reuters: "I sincerely apologize for my statement regarding Black football players."
RTS also released a separate apology, stating: "We would like to take this opportunity to apologize, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race."
This follows FIFA's intensified efforts against discrimination last week to commemorate the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The governing body implemented 'high-impact stadium activations' throughout Atlanta, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, and Vancouver to deliver a "rallying cry" aimed at ending discrimination and "protect football."
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National captains exchanged special commemorative pendants displaying the native languages of competing nations on one side, alongside an English translation reading: "WE PLAY TOGETHER. WE STAND AGAINST HATE," on the reverse.
Addressing 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 behavior 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."
-Credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos, Getty ImagesFIFA have also introduced a new regulation at this summer's tournament, whereby any player caught covering their mouth while communicating with others on the field faces an immediate red card, regardless of intent or context.
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player dismissed under the new rule, covering his mouth mid-conversation during his nation's game against Turkey last week. Almiron made the gesture as he passed Mert Muldur, following the separation of both sides after a brief altercation.
The assistant referee was immediately alerted, and Almiron was given his marching orders. Reflecting on the incident at full time, Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro stated: "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] apologized to the players for his mistake. He knew about the situation he had left his teammates in with his actions."
The exact words exchanged by Almiron remain undisclosed, and the player will now be absent for Paraguay's final group stage game against Australia on Saturday, June 26.
