A goalless draw against ten-man Belgium kept Iran’s World Cup hopes alive, but the match will be remembered for the racist remarks of a Serbian television pundit. On Sunday, Belgium and Iran played out a 0-0 stalemate in Los Angeles, with Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand making a string of impressive saves to keep his team in the tournament. However, the game was overshadowed by former Yugoslavia striker Rade Bogdanović, who made offensive comments about black players during live coverage on Serbian national broadcaster RTS.
Belgium, a star-studded side who also drew with Egypt in their opening Group G match, saw defender Nathan Ngoy sent off in the 66th minute for a last-man foul. The 23-year-old was earning just his sixth cap for Belgium. Despite the numerical advantage, Iran could not find a way past Thibaut Courtois, while Beiranvand denied Belgium at the other end. The result leaves Belgium in danger of elimination at the group stage, while Iran have two points from two games, following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Egypt, who beat New Zealand 3-1 thanks to a goal from Mohamed Salah, top the group.
“Belgium's goalless draw with Iran and a Serbian pundit's racist comments explained.”
After the final whistle, Bogdanović, a former player for Atletico Madrid and Werder Bremen, said on air: “I’ve always said these players, and I’m not racist, but black players don’t have the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes.” When challenged by the presenter, he added: “Of course I’m not generalising, but the majority lack concentration and then situations like this happen.” The comments were widely condemned as racist.
For UK readers, the incident is a reminder that racism remains a problem in football broadcasting, even at major tournaments. The UK is home to a diverse population of football fans and players, and such remarks are contrary to the values promoted by English football. The fact that a former professional footballer expressed these views on a national broadcaster shows the issue is not limited to the UK.
Q: What did the Serbian pundit say about black players? Rade Bogdanović claimed that black players “don’t have the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes” and that the “majority lack concentration,” comments that have been labelled as racist and disgusting.
Q: How did Iran perform in the match? Iran earned a 0-0 draw against ten-man Belgium, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand making several crucial saves. The result keeps Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive for the first time.
Q: What is Belgium’s position in the group? Belgium have two draws from two games and are at risk of elimination. They must win their final group match to have a chance of progressing; a loss could see them exit at the group stage.
What happens next: Belgium face a must-win match against New Zealand, while Iran take on Egypt. Egypt currently top Group G with three points. Belgium will need to improve their discipline, while Iran will rely on Beiranvand’s form and their team spirit to push for a historic knockout berth.