Former Yugoslav international Rade Bogdanovic has issued a public apology after making racist comments about Black football players during his role as an expert commentator for Serbian broadcaster RTS. The 56-year-old, who represented Yugoslavia three times in 1997 and won the German Cup with Werder Bremen in 1999, made the controversial remarks while analyzing an incident during a Group G match involving Belgium.
The comments were made in the context of Belgium defender Nygoy’s dismissal in the 66th minute of a match played in Los Angeles on Sunday. Bogdanovic claimed that Black players “lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes,” and when challenged by the studio host, he doubled down by insisting that “the majority lack concentration.” The remarks drew widespread condemnation across social media platforms.
In a statement provided to Reuters, Bogdanovic offered a direct apology: “I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players.” Despite the controversy, the former footballer, who also had playing experience in South Korea and Japan, returned to the RTS studio on Monday to cover Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J.
Serbian public broadcaster RTS also issued an official apology, clarifying that Bogdanovic is not a permanent employee but had been brought in as an expert commentator for the summer tournament. “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,” the network stated.
The incident comes at a critical moment for Belgium, who are in danger of failing to progress from Group G following draws with both Iran and Egypt, leaving them in third place. Nygoy’s red card for a professional foul further complicated Belgium’s tournament prospects, making the circumstances surrounding the racist commentary all the more prominent on the global stage.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
