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Samuel Eto’o releases statement after kicking fan in Qatar.
After being seen on camera in Qatar kicking a fan to the ground, Samuel Eto’o has released a statement.
After witnessing Brazil defeat South Korea in the World Cup’s round of 16, Eto’o was observed taking photographs with fans outside the stadium.
A man with a video camera then approached him, and after being offended by something he said, he physically confronted him.
When the man was being held back by his entourage, the ex-Chelsea player got free, kneed him in the head, and knocked him to the ground.
Since then, it has come to light that the person in question was social media star Saad Mamouni from Algeria.
He was addressing Eto’o, the head of Cameroon’s football organization, about claims that his nation had bought off officials to defeat Algeria in their March World Cup play-off.
Eto’o has now addressed the incident, apologising for his behaviour but accusing Algerian fans of harassing him and his compatriots.
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“After the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter,” he wrote on social media.
“I would like to apologise for losing my temper 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.
“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 rules 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 their 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.”