Former Serbia footballer Rade Bogdanovic has apologized for making racist remarks during a live World Cup broadcast of the match between Belgium and Iran. Bogdanovic, who now works as a commentator for Serbian public broadcaster RTS, issued the apology after drawing criticism from media outlets for his comments questioning the focus and stamina of Black players following the Group G game, which ended in a goalless draw.
“I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding Black football players,” Bogdanovic, 56, said in a statement to Reuters. The Royal Belgian Football Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
RTS also issued an official apology to its viewers. The broadcaster's board stated, “We would like to inform the public that Mr Rade Bogdanovic is not employed by our company, but has been engaged as an expert commentator for the duration of the tournament.” The board added, “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 is a former striker who played for Atletico Madrid and won the German Cup with Werder Bremen.