Samuel Eto’o has now issued an apology after being caught on camera getting into a fight in the aftermath of Brazil’s match against South Korea on Monday.
The current president of the Cameroon FA and former Chelsea player was present at Stadium 974, but his evening seemed to take a bad turn when he got into an altercation with a fan after the game.
Footage posted by La Opinion shows the former Cameroon international – who is out in Qatar through his role as World Cup 2022 legacy ambassador – was originally in high spirits as he was taking selfies with fans.
But his mood soon took a sharp turn after a man – now named in Spain as Algerian YouTuber Said Mamouni – appeared.
The clip cuts out between Mamouni arriving alongside Eto’o and the ex-Barcelona star returning to confront him.
After multiple advances, Eto’o finally broke past people’s efforts to stop him confronting the YouTuber, who appeared to still be filming even when he was trying to defend himself.
As Mamouni was bent down, Eto’o picked his moment and appeared to strike him in the face with his knee, knocking him to the floor.
Mamouni was then helped to his feet by various onlookers.
What Did Samuel Eto’o Say?
The day after the incident, Eto’o released a statement, asking for the feud between the countries to come to an end.
Titled ‘My sincerest apology’, he said: “On last 5 December, after the Brazil-Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algeria supporter.
“I would like to apologise for losing my tempter and reacting in a way that does not match my personality, I apologise to the public for this unfortunate incident.
“I pledge to continue to resist the relentless provocation and daily harassment of some Algerian supporters. Indeed, since the Cameroon-Algeria match on 29 March in Blida, I have been the target of insults and allegations of cheating without any evidence.
— Samuel Eto’o (@SamuelEtoo) December 6, 2022
Trending Stories: Gabriel Jesus Set For A Spell On The Sidelines, Three Months Likely
“During this World Cup Cameroonian fans have been harassed and pestered by Algerians on the same subject.
“I would like to mention that the scenario of Algeria’s defeat was cruel but perfectly in line with the rule and ethics of our sport.
“All the appeals made by the Algerian Football Federation to the competent jurisdictions have been rejected.
“I therefore call on the Algerian authorities and Federation to take responsibilities to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs.
“To Fennecs’ fans, I wish that they find peace and manage to overcome the disappointment of a painful defeat, now behind us.”
COMMENTS