Jeremy Doku flew home to attend the birth of his first child - but why has that proved controversial in some quarters?

The Manchester City winger has become a father after leaving the Belgium World Cup camp to be at the birth in England. It is a long journey that was sanctioned by his national team and led to criticism in some quarters when he suggested it. L'Equipe channel presenter France Pierron criticised him, saying a father is "completely useless" at the time of their child's birth, which she said was a "disgusting moment". In a statement, L'Equipe apologised and said Pierron's comments were "very far removed" from its values. The presenter also apologised, and reports in France said she would not present her show on Monday. Doku played 86 minutes of Belgium's opening 1-1 draw with Egypt in Group G but missed their 0-0 draw against Iran. His absence was explained as illness, with wife Shireen due to give birth during the second week of July. A Belgium statement on Monday said, external: "With the approval of and accompanied by one of our team doctors, Jeremy travelled to London to be with his wife for this unique occasion. "Jeremy will rejoin the squad on Tuesday evening in Seattle as preparations continue for the next match against New Zealand."