Former Yugoslavia and Atlético Madrid striker Rade Bogdanovic has ignited a firestorm of controversy after making racist remarks about Black players during live World Cup coverage on Serbian state broadcaster RTS — only to be reinstated as a studio analyst the very next day.
The 56-year-old pundit was discussing Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Iran in Los Angeles when he turned his attention to the 66th-minute red card shown to Belgian defender Nathan Ngoy, who is of Congolese descent.
“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,” Bogdanovic declared on air. “When we played, we sometimes had to protect our own players to stop them making mistakes. Modern football doesn’t allow this kind of error at World Cup level”.
When the programme’s host challenged the remark, Bogdanovic doubled down, insisting that “the majority lack concentration”.
Widespread condemnation — but no consequences
The comments drew immediate and widespread condemnation on social media. Yet RTS did not remove him from duty. The following day, Bogdanovic was back in the studio as an analyst for Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria.
RTS later issued an official apology, clarifying that Bogdanovic is not an employee of the broadcaster but has been “engaged as an expert commentator for the duration of the 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,” the station said.
Bogdanovic apologises
In a statement to Reuters, Bogdanovic offered a belated apology: “I sincerely apologise for my statement regarding Black football players”.
Background
Born in Sarajevo in 1970, Bogdanovic began his career with local club Zeljeznicar before moving to South Korea’s Pohang Atoms, where he scored an extraordinary 45 goals in just 20 league games. That form earned him a move to Atlético Madrid, followed by a stint at Werder Bremen in Germany’s Bundesliga. He made three appearances for FR Yugoslavia in 1997, scoring twice against Ghana in the Korea Cup.
Ngoy, 23, was dismissed for a professional foul on Iran forward Mehdi Taremi, who was through on goal. Belgium, held to a goalless draw, now sit third in Group G and face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.
The controversy has once again placed the spotlight on football’s ongoing struggle with racism — and on broadcasters’ willingness to hold their own accountable.
