The violent attack on a YouTuber by Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o, whose footage has gone viral on social media since Tuesday morning, has received an apology.
A cameraman appears to have hit the current head of the Cameroonian Football Federation in the face, causing him to tumble backward. The incident was caught on camera shortly after Brazil’s World Cup victory over South Korea (4-1).
Following the incident, the ex-Cameroonian international last evening released a statement apologising for the incident. Parts of the apology statement sighted on Eto’o ‘s official Twitter page reads;
“On last 5 December, after the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter,” the statement began. “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,”
He continued by saying “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 responsibility to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs”.
