Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto'o has issued an apology for his "violent altercation" with a supporter following a match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 41-year-old, who is in Qatar as a World Cup legacy ambassador, was in attendance at Stadium 974 in Doha on Monday evening watching Brazil beat South Korea 4-1 to progress to the quarter-finals.
After the match, a video emerged online – via La Opinion – of the former Barcelona striker posing for several photos with supporters before an angry altercation occurred with a man holding a camera.
Footage appears to show Eto'o exchange words with the man before he began to push him and later lash out towards the man's face with his knee.
Eto'o has since taken to social media to issue an apology for his actions towards the man, who he claims was "probably" an Algerian supporter.
[VIDEO] Samuel Eto'o golpea peligrosamente a una persona al final del partido entre Brasil y Corea https://t.co/smWcShJBYE pic.twitter.com/aXacvIHIdM
— La Opinión (@LaOpinionLA) December 6, 2022
A statement on Twitter read: "On last 5 December, after the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter.
"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."
— Samuel Eto'o (@SamuelEtoo) December 6, 2022
Eto'o retired from football in 2019 after a successful 22-year playing career, winning 16 honours at club level with Real Madrid, Mallorca, Barcelona and Inter Milan.
The Douala-born striker is still Cameroon's all-time record goalscorer after netting 56 times in 118 appearances across all competitions, including three goals in eight World Cup matches.
Eto'o was elected President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) in December last year and watched the Indomitable Lions in the group stage at this year's World Cup against Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia.
Cameroon secured a famous 1-0 victory against Group G winners Brazil in their final fixture, but they ultimately missed out on a place in the last 16, finishing two points behind Switzerland in second spot.
Oliver Thomas
