Former Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen striker Rade Bogdanovic has apologised for racist remarks he made about Black players during a live World Cup broadcast on Serbian state TV.
Working as a guest analyst for RTS during Belgium’s goalless Group G draw with Iran, Bogdanovic made the comments while discussing Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy’s red card.
The 56-year-old, who earned three caps for Yugoslavia in 1997, questioned the concentration and endurance of Black players, prompting widespread criticism on social media.
“I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding Black footballers,” Bogdanovic said in a statement to Reuters.
RTS also issued an apology, clarifying that Bogdanovic is not a staff employee but has been serving as an expert commentator for the tournament. “We would like to apologise, as a broadcaster, for the statement made in our programme concerning members of a particular race,” the network said.
Ngoy, 23, was sent off on Sunday for a professional foul in the second half in Los Angeles. After draws with Iran and Egypt, Belgium sit third in Group G and risk failing to advance.
Challenged by the studio host at the time, Bogdanovic initially doubled down, claiming most Black players struggle to maintain focus late in matches. He returned to the RTS studio on Monday for Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Group J.