Former Serbian international Rade Bogdanovic has apologised after making racist comments during live coverage of the World Cup on Serbian television. The remarks, broadcast on RTS, suggested that Black footballers struggle with concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes of a match, drawing widespread criticism.
The incident occurred late on Sunday night during a discussion about Belgium's goalless draw against Iran in the group stage. Bogdanovic's comments specifically arose in the context of Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy receiving a red card in the 66th minute for a foul on Iran's Mehdi Taremi. Despite being challenged by the programme's host, Bogdanovic maintained his assertion, stating, "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."
The backlash on social media was immediate and strong. However, this did not prevent Bogdanovic from appearing on RTS's punditry line-up for Argentina's subsequent match against Austria. Following the controversy, Bogdanovic released a statement to Reuters, saying: "I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding Black football players."
Serbian broadcaster RTS also issued an apology, clarifying that the 56-year-old former Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen striker is not an employee but rather an "expert commentator for the duration of the tournament." Their statement read: "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."
Bogdanovic, who won the German Cup with Werder Bremen and made three appearances for Yugoslavia, has had a playing career spanning South Korea and Japan. The match he was discussing, Belgium's 0-0 draw with Iran, leaves Group G finely poised, with Iran currently second after two stalemates – a first for them in a World Cup – and Rudi Garcia’s Belgium in third place.