TV pundit Bogdanovic apologises for racist comments

Former Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen striker Rade Bogdanovic has apologised for racist comments he made towards black players during a live World Cup broadcast on Serbian television.

Bogdanovic was working as a commentator for state broadcaster RTS during Belgium and Iran's goalless draw in Group G when he made the remarks while discussing Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy's red card.

The 56-year-old, who made three appearances for Yugoslavia in 1997, questioned the focus and stamina of black players.

The comments drew widespread condemnation on social media.

In a statement to Reuters, Bogdanovic said: "I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players."

RTS also issued an official apology, saying Bogdanovic is not employed by the company but has been working as an "expert commentator" for this summer's 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," RTS said.

Nygoy, 23, was dismissed on Sunday for a professional foul in the second half of the game in Los Angeles. Following draws with both Iran and Egypt, third-placed Belgium are in danger of failing to progress from Group G.

While discussing the 66th-minute incident, Bogdanovic, who also played in South Korea and Japan, commented: "I have always said those players - and I'm really not racist - but black players lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.

"When we played, we sometimes had to protect our own players to stop them making mistakes."

The host challenged Bogdanovic over the remarks, but he doubled down, insisting that "the majority lack concentration".

On Monday, Bogdanovic was back in the RTS studio for the Argentina's 2-0 win against Austria in Group J.

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