Samuel Eto’o. (Picture by Esra Bilgin/Anadolu Company by way of Getty Photographs)
Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o apologised Tuesday for kneeing an Algeria supporter within the face however insisted he was the goal of “relentless provocation” by the North African state’s supporters since a controversial World Cup qualifier this yr.
The 41-year-old Cameroon federation president and ambassador for the Qatar World Cup flew right into a rage after being approached as he left Brazil’s 4-1 win over South Korea in Doha on Monday evening.
A video broadly proven on social media confirmed the four-time African participant of the yr breaking free from folks searching for to restrain him and kneeing the face of a blogger named as Sadouni SM.
The person fell again after being struck however has not reported any severe harm.
Eto’o launched a press release during which he admitted being concerned in a “violent altercation”.
“I wish to apologise for dropping my mood and reacting in a method that doesn’t match my persona,” mentioned the previous Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker.
Eto’o solely addressed his apology to “the general public” nonetheless and made no gesture to the fan.
Eto’o lashed out at Algeria’s supporters for his or her behaviour since Cameroon beat Algeria on away objectives in a World Cup qualifying playoff in March.
Algeria later complained to FIFA concerning the referee and initially demanded a replay.
“I pledge to proceed to withstand the relentless provocation and each day harassment of some Algerian supporters,” Eto’o mentioned.
“I’ve been the goal of insults and allegations of dishonest with none proof,” he added.
He mentioned Cameroon followers on the World Cup had additionally been “harassed and pestered” by Algerians.
“The state of affairs of Algeria’s defeat was merciless however completely in step with the principles and ethics of our sport,” Eto’o insisted.
All of Algeria’s appeals have been rejected and Eto’s mentioned that Algerian authorities should now act to halt “this unhealthy local weather earlier than a extra severe tragedy happens.”
The African soccer legend was surrounded as quickly as he left the 974 Stadium the place the spherical of 16 match was performed.
Carrying a blue baseball cap, he’s seen permitting selfies with some followers earlier than he was approached by the Algerian.
Eto’o handed his cell phone to a person earlier than surging on the blogger to ship the blow along with his knee.
Sadouni SM mentioned in a video posted on-line Tuesday that his digital camera and microphone had been “smashed” within the incident.
“He hit me,” the person provides, pointing to his chin.
“I did all that for Algeria,” Sadouni SM says within the video.
“I’m on the police station now for the inquiry.
“This video have to be shared. As Eto’o is a celeb I’m afraid they may cowl up the inquiry, however I belief the Qatari police,” he added.
Qatar’s World Cup organising committee has not commented on the incident. Eto’o toured Senegal, Cameroon and Ghana in August to advertise the World Cup.
The previous worldwide has a historical past of fiery outbursts, receiving a three-match ban in 2010 for headbutting an opponent whereas taking part in for Inter.
