KICKING OFF
Watch shocking moment Samuel Eto’o appears to knee man in HEAD after bust-up outside Brazil’s World Cup clash
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BARCELONA legend Samuel Eto'o has been filmed appearing to knee someone in the head.
The Cameroonian was in attendance at Brazil's 4-1 victory over South Korea last night.
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While leaving Stadium 974 after the match, Eto'o initially seemed to be content taking selfies with fans as he walked.
But in footage captured by , the 41-year-old became animated after exchanging words with a man holding a camera.
A clearly fired up Eto'o walked down the camera man, before being initially held back by four other onlookers.
While the man with the camera, who appeared to be a YouTuber with more than 60,000 subscribers, was being led away - he stopped to crouch down, just as Eto'o shook off those trying to calm him.
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In a shocking scene, the former Chelsea frontman ran up to the YouTuber, appearing to knee him full in the head.
Despite the force of the blow, the man managed to quickly rise to his feet, with Eto'o being led away from the scene.
After the incident it emerged that it may have been sparked by an argument regarding Cameroon's qualification for the World Cup.
The Indomitable Lions booked their place in Qatar with a victory over Algeria earlier this year.
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Algeria were left furious with the refereeing during the second leg of the play-off - even demanding for it to be replayed.
The attacked has since been identified as Algerian video journalist “Sadouni SM”, who later said: “I did all this for Algeria. Eto’o broke my camera and microphone and hit me on the chin.
“I am at the police station for the investigation. This video must be shared.
“As Eto'o is famous, I am afraid that they will hide the case, but I trust the Qatari police.”
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Eto'o, who won 118 caps for his country between 1997 and 2014, is now president of Cameroon's Football Federation.
He has been in Qatar watching his team, and decided to attend last night's match despite Cameroon having been knocked out last week.
The Indomitable Lions lost 1-0 Switzerland before drawing 3-3 with Serbia.
A creditable 1-0 win over Brazil last Friday was not enough to see them through to the round of 16.
In addition to his role with the Cameroon Football Federation, Eto'o has also been in Qatar in his role as a "legacy ambassador" for the tournament.
The former striker has been seen rubbing shoulders with Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
Eto'o later posted an apology for the attack on social media, saying: “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.
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“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.”
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