Notable Serbian World Cup pundit Rade Bogdanovic has drawn widespread criticism after making comments questioning the focus and stamina of black players.
Bogdanovic, 56, made the statement in response to a red card issued to Nathan Ngoy during a match against Iran, suggesting that 'those players' lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.
The former Yugoslavia striker doubled down on his comments despite being challenged by the show's host, insisting that 'the majority lack concentration.'
Bogdanovic has since apologized for his remarks, stating 'I sincerely apologize for my statement regarding black football players.'
The broadcaster RTS, for whom Bogdanovic was working as an expert commentator, has also issued an apology, stating that it takes full responsibility for the statement made in its program.
This incident follows another high-profile controversy involving former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, who made an offensive joke about Japan's World Cup team, citing their players' similar appearance as a possible explanation for the Dutch team's mixed defensive performance.
