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Serbian Ex-Striker Apologizes, Reinstated After Racist Comment

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former Serbian striker Rade Bogdanovic apologized for saying Black players “lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes” during RTS’s broadcast of the Belgium-Iran 0-0 draw in Los Angeles.
The host’s challenge was met with Bogdanovic’s doubling down, which prompted widespread condemnation on social media.
RTS apologized, clarified that Bogdanovic is an expert commentator not an employee, and reinstated him for the Argentina-Austria match the next day.

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Story summary

Former Serbian striker Rade Bogdanovic apologized for saying Black players “lack the concentration to last more than 60 to 80 minutes” during RTS’s broadcast of the Belgium-Iran 0-0 draw in Los Angeles.
The host’s challenge was met with Bogdanovic’s doubling down, which prompted widespread condemnation on social media.
RTS apologized, clarified that Bogdanovic is an expert commentator not an employee, and reinstated him for the Argentina-Austria match the next day.