During Belgium‑Iran Group G play, former Atletico Madrid striker Rade Bogdanovic, seated as an expert commentator for Serbia’s RTS, sparked outrage with racist remarks about black players. Speaking after Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy’s red card, he claimed black players lack concentration, prompting immediate backlash on social media and a nationwide debate on sports racism today.

Bogdanovic’s comments drew swift condemnation; he issued a public apology via Reuters, saying, “I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding black football players.” RTS followed suit, declaring it was not an employee but an expert commentator and apologising for the broadcaster’s role in the offensive statement to the international community and Serbian fans today deeply.

The incident unfolded after Nathan Ngoy was sent off for a professional foul, a decision that left Belgium in danger of missing the knockout stage following draws with Iran and Egypt. Bogdanovic’s remarks, made during a live broadcast of a World Cup match, highlighted lingering racial tensions across European television streams today.

Bogdanovic returned to the RTS studio on Monday to cover Argentina’s 2‑0 win over Austria in Group J, but the controversy lingers. The broadcaster’s apology, coupled with the former striker’s public contrition, signals a broader push to address racism in sports media, yet the damage to both his reputation and RTS’s credibility remains for fans.