Samuel Eto'o releases statement after kicking fan in Qatar

Samuel Eto’o has released a statement after being filmed kicking a fan to the ground in Qatar.

After watching Brazil beat South Korea in the last 16 of the World Cup, Eto’o was seen posing for selfies with supporters outside the stadium.

He was then approached by a man with a video camera and was angered by something he said, physically confronting him.

The former Chelsea player was then held back by his entourage but broke free and kneed the man in the head, sending him to the ground.

It has since emerged that man was Algerian social media personality Saïd Mamouni and he was confronting Eto’o, the president of Cameroon’s football association, about rumours that the retired striker’s country had bribed the officials to win their World Cup play-off with Algeria in March.

Eto’o has now addressed the incident, apologising for his behaviour but accusing Algerian fans of harassing him and his compatriots.

“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.”