FIFA World Cup: Samuel Eto'o attacks fan outside Stadium 974
What's the story
In a shocking development, former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o was filmed kicking a fan outside Stadium 974 following the round-of-16 fixture between Brazil and South Korea at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Eto'o, the Cameroon Football Federation president, was involved in an altercation before he launched a knee at the fan. The 41-year-old is one of FIFA's goodwill ambassadors at the Qatar World Cup.
Twitter Post
WATCH: Samuel Eto'o kicks a fan
[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
Context
Why does this story matter?
Eto'o was walking out of the stadium with a handful of fans surrounding him for photos. A man, later identified as Algerian YouTuber Said Mamouni, was making a video of Eto'o with his camera and proceeded to say something to him. It was then that the former striker lost his calm and charged toward him, striking the man's head with his knee.
Incident
Mamouni files a police complaint
Mamouni, who was at the receiving end of the incident, released a video thereafter. He confirmed filing a report at a police station in Doha. He also showed his broken camera, claiming that the former Chelsea star hit him on the jaw, chin, and chest. He reportedly asked Eto'o about Bakary Gassama, the African World Cup playoff referee, and if the former bribed him.
Cameroon
Cameroon bow out of group stage in 2022 WC
Cameroon were clubbed alongside Switzerland, Serbia, and five-time winners Brazil in Group G. They suffered a 0-1 defeat to Switzerland before playing an enthralling 3-3 draw against Serbia. Cameroon stunned Brazil 1-0 in their final group stage fixture to finish third in the standings, above Serbia. Cameroon (W1 D1 L1) netted four goals and conceded as many to conclude their campaign.
Career
One of the greatest African footballers
Eto'o had an illustrious career while playing for European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan. He is a four-time Champions League winner, having scored 371 goals in his club career. He is Cameroon's record goal-scorer in international football (56). He has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice (2000 and 2002). Eto'o also won the Olympic gold medal in 2000.