Serbian Pundit Rade Bogdanović Makes Racist Comments About Black Players During World Cup Broadcast
During the June 22, 2026 World Cup match between Belgium and Iran, Serbian pundit Rade Bogdanović made racist comments on public broadcaster RTS, claiming black players "lack concentration" beyond 60-80 minutes. He doubled down when challenged, citing his playing experience. The remarks targeted Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy (of Congolese descent), who received a red card. Bogdanović has a history of similar comments. The incident sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting ongoing racism in football broadcasting.
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Ex-Atlético Player Rade Bogdanovic Sparks Outrage with Racist Comments About Black Players
Rade Bogdanovic, a former striker for Atlético de Madrid during the 1997-98 season, has ignited widespread controversy after making racist remarks while commentating on a football match between Belgium and Iran on Serbian public broadcaster RTS. The match ended in a goalless draw, but in the 67th minute, Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy, who is of Congolese origin, received a red card for a defensive error. Bogdanovic, 56 and born in Sarajevo, stated that 'black players don't have the necessary concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes,' claiming he was not racist. He doubled down on his comments, citing his personal experience playing alongside black teammates. The remarks have gone viral, drawing sharp criticism for their racist undertones. Bogdanovic played 18 matches and scored seven goals for Atlético before moving to Werder Bremen in 1998.
FútbolWorld Cup pundit apologises for racist comments about Black players on Serbian TV
Rade Bogdanovic, a former Atletico Madrid striker and pundit on Serbian TV (RTS), apologised after making racist comments during a World Cup broadcast. While discussing a red card for Belgium's Nathan Ngoy in the goalless draw with Iran, Bogdanovic stated that Black players lack concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes. The host challenged his remarks, and the broadcaster RTS initially kept him on air but later issued a separate apology. Following widespread condemnation, Bogdanovic apologised via Reuters, saying he was sorry for his statement about Black football players. The incident occurred during the 2026 World Cup Group G match.
Mirror - FootballTV pundit Bogdanovic apologises for racist comments
Former Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen striker Rade Bogdanovic has apologised for making racist comments towards black players during a live World Cup broadcast on Serbian state television RTS. The incident occurred while he was commentating on the goalless draw between Belgium and Iran in Group G, specifically during discussion of Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy's red card. Bogdanovic, now a TV pundit, issued a public apology for his remarks. The Serbian broadcaster RTS also apologised for the incident. The story was reported by BBC Sport journalist Lorraine McKenna on June 22, 2026.
BBC SportTV pundit Rade Bogdanovic apologises for racist comments on World Cup broadcast
Former Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen striker Rade Bogdanovic has apologised for making racist comments during a live World Cup broadcast on Serbian state television RTS. While commentating on the Belgium-Iran Group G match, Bogdanovic questioned the concentration and stamina of black players, specifically discussing Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy's red card. His remarks drew widespread condemnation on social media. Bogdanovic issued a public apology, stating he sincerely apologised for his statement regarding black football players. RTS also apologised, noting Bogdanovic is not an employee but an expert commentator for the tournament. The incident occurred during a goalless draw that left Belgium in danger of elimination from Group G.
BBC SportSerbian TV pundit Rade Bogdanovic causes outrage with racist comment during Belgium World Cup match
Former Yugoslavia and Atlético Madrid striker Rade Bogdanovic sparked controversy on Serbian public broadcaster RTS during a World Cup program. While discussing a red card shown to Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy in the Belgium vs Iran match, Bogdanovic stated that 'Black players lack concentration beyond 60 to 80 minutes,' adding that 'the majority lack concentration.' When challenged by the host, he doubled down on the remark. The comments drew widespread condemnation on social media, but RTS did not apologize or comment, and had Bogdanovic back in the studio the next day for the Argentina vs Austria match. Bogdanovic, 56, played for clubs including Atlético Madrid and Werder Bremen, and made three appearances for Yugoslavia in 1997. The Belgium-Iran match ended in a 0-0 draw.
Football | The GuardianRade Bogdanovic's Controversial Racist Comment About Black Players During World Cup Match
Former Yugoslav international footballer Rade Bogdanovic sparked outrage with a controversial comment during the World Cup 2026 match between Belgium and Iran. Following the red card of Ngoy, Bogdanovic stated that 'Black people do not have the concentration to endure more than 60 to 80 minutes,' implying that Black players lack the mental stamina for extended play. The comment, reported by Portuguese sports outlet Record on June 22, 2026, has drawn widespread criticism as racist and inflammatory. The incident occurred in the context of a Group stage match, with Bogdanovic's remarks appearing to target the player's race rather than his individual performance. The article highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football and the need for greater accountability from public figures.
RecordFormer Serbian Striker Rade Bogdanovic Makes Racist Remarks About Black Players During World Cup Broadcast
Former Yugoslav international striker Rade Bogdanovic, now a pundit for Serbian television, made racist comments live on public TV during the 2026 World Cup match between Belgium and Iran on June 21. While analyzing a red card given to Belgian player Nathan Ngoy in the 66th minute, Bogdanovic claimed that black players lack concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes, saying 'I've always said these players, and I'm not racist, but these Black players don't have the concentration.' When the presenter challenged him, citing examples of successful multi-ethnic national teams like France, Bogdanovic doubled down, stating 'the vast majority lack concentration.' He has not yet commented on the remarks.
Home Football - actualit√©sFormer Atlético Madrid player Rade Bogdanovic sparks outrage with racist live commentary on Serbian television
Former Yugoslav international and ex-Atlético Madrid player Rade Bogdanovic caused widespread outrage after making racist comments as a commentator for Serbian public broadcaster RTS during the Belgium-Iran match on June 22, 2026. While analyzing a red card issued to Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy (of Congolese origin) in the 67th minute, Bogdanovic stated that black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes in a match. The presenter invited him to reconsider, but Bogdanovic did not retract and doubled down, citing personal experience playing with black teammates. This is not his first such remark; in 2019 he attributed Borussia Dortmund's decline to fielding four black defenders. The incident has drawn criticism from Belgian and international media, highlighting ongoing racism issues in football broadcasting.
FútbolRade Bogdanovic's Shocking and Racist Outburst About Black Players
Former Serbian striker and current television consultant Rade Bogdanovic sparked a huge controversy after making racist remarks on Serbian public broadcaster RTS. While commenting on the red card of Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy during a World Cup match against Iran, Bogdanovic stated that black players 'don't have the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.' He claimed he is not a racist but insisted his comment was based on observation, saying 'the majority lack concentration.' Despite the backlash, Bogdanovic refused to apologize or retract his statements, instead doubling down on his claims. The incident has drawn widespread criticism and added to a series of controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSerbian Pundit Rade Bogdanovic Makes Racist Remarks about Black Players During Belgium-Iran Broadcast
Former striker and current Serbian television pundit Rade Bogdanovic sparked outrage after making racist comments during the broadcast of the Belgium-Iran football match on Sunday evening. Commenting on the red card shown to defender Nathan Ngoy in the 66th minute, Bogdanovic stated on the Serbian public channel RTS that 'Black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.' He attempted to justify his remarks by referencing his own playing experience and insisted he was not racist. The presenter challenged him by citing France's diverse national team as a counterexample, but Bogdanovic doubled down, claiming 'the majority lack concentration.' Bogdanovic is known for his provocative style, but critics say he crossed a line. RTS and the Belgian federation have not yet publicly commented on the incident.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuWorld Cup pundit makes disgusting racist comments live on TV towards Belgium star
Former Yugoslavia international Rade Bogdanović, working as a pundit on Serbian national broadcaster RTS, made racist comments during coverage of Belgium's 0-0 World Cup draw with Iran on June 22, 2026. After Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy (of Congolese descent) was sent off in the 66th minute, Bogdanović said black players 'lack concentration' beyond 60-80 minutes, claiming 'I'm not racist, but...' He later doubled down, stating 'the majority lack concentration.' The comments sparked widespread condemnation. The match leaves Belgium at risk of early elimination in Group G, while Egypt beat New Zealand to top the group. Bogdanović also praised Iran's performance and expressed support for them.
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