Samuel Eto’o issues a remarkable not-so-sorry apology for kneeing Algerian YouTuber in the head
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Samuel Eto’o has issued a “not so sorry” apology after getting into a physical altercation with an Algerian YouTuber while in Dubai for the World Cup.
The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker was caught on camera kneeing a man while filming him leaving Stadium 974 in Doha, where Brazil had just beaten South Korea 4-1 yesterday.
Reports suggested Eto’o lost his temper after a fan, revealed to be Said Mamouni, asked if Eto’o had given the referee a bribe ahead of Cameroon’s crucial playoff win over Algeria in March, which gave Eto’o’s team a place in the World Cup.
The former striker disputed the claim, both verbally and physically, before issuing a statement apologizing for his actions, though it is clear he remains upset by the provocative question.
In his statement, Eto’o wrote: ‘On December 5, after the Brazil-South Korea game, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian fan.
I would like to apologize for losing my temper and reacting in a way that does not match my personality. I apologize to the public for this unfortunate incident.
Samuel Eto’o assured that he has been subjected to “insults” throughout the World Cup
Images emerged of the Cameroon FA president attacking a fan after a World Cup match
“I pledge to continue resisting the relentless provocation and daily harassment of some Algerian supporters. Indeed, from Cameroon-Algeria on March 29 in Blida.
I have been subjected to insults and accusations of cheating without any proof. During this World Cup, the Cameroonian fans have been harassed and harassed by the Algerians on the same subject.
“I would like to mention that the Algerian defeat scenario was cruel but perfectly in line with the rules and ethics of our sport. All appeals filed by the Algerian Football Federation before the competent courts have been dismissed.
Therefore, I ask the Algerian authorities and the Federation to assume their responsibilities to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs.
“To the Fennecs fans, I hope you find peace and get over the disappointment of a painful defeat, which is behind us.”
In the footage, Eto’o initially appears happy to pose for photos with waiting fans as he leaves the venue, before the man said to be Mamouni approaches him to his right with a video camera.
the footage, filmed by La Opinionit then apparently shows the pair exchanging words, before the video cuts out a few seconds later, and Eto’o returns to the scene to confront Mamouni.
Eto’o then reacts furiously and begins to push the cameraman.
At this point, several bystanders step in to try to quell the interruption, but Eto’o is determined to go after the man and eventually must stop him as he continues to try to confront him.
With four men holding Eto’o, footage shows him giving his phone to a man, before running out of the group to knee him in the face and knock him to the ground.
The brutal blow appears to occur as Mamouni leans in, knocking him out as Eto’o returns to continue the confrontation.
Eto’o directly called the Algerian Football Federation in his statement
The incident that sparked such drama was Cameroon’s controversial World Cup qualifying victory over Algeria earlier in the year.
In the match, Algeria had multiple efforts dismissed by Gambian referee Bakary Gassama before Karl Toko-Ekambi scored an eventual winner for Cameroon after extra time.
In a statement after the incident, the Algerian FA wrote: “The FAF is determined to use all legally permitted means to regain its rights and to play the match again under conditions that guarantee the referee’s honesty and bias.”
“The FAF also requests the opening of an investigation by the FIFA bodies to clarify the arbitration of the Algeria-Cameroon match.”
Eto’o asked the fans to “get over the disappointment of defeat” after the elimination from the World Cup
Eto’o retired from playing in 2019, following a spell in Qatar with Qatar SC. He is most famous for his stints with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea, after coming through Real Madrid’s academy in 1997.
He also has 118 caps for his country, the second most of any player in history.
It is not the first time the 41-year-old has made headlines for non-footballing reasons in recent months, having received a 22-month suspended prison sentence in June for £3m tax fraud, failing to have declared the income from the transfer of image rights.
According to Sport, the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker admitted the offense but alleges that he was the victim of manipulation.
The fraud refers to the fact that Eto’o did not declare the income derived from the transfer of image rights to Puma and Barcelona in his personal income tax return between 2006 and 2009.
Eto’o played for Chelsea (pictured) and Everton in the Premier League during his career