Samuel Eto'o issues apology for violent conduct
In the wake of receiving a fine of 30000 Euro, as well as a three-match ban for a headbutting incident involving Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar, Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has issued an apology for his conduct.
Eto'o was quoted in a statement reported by Il Corriere dello Sport as saying,
"My apologies are directed at all the protagonists of the game, the fans, my team-mates who I leave for three matches, and all those who love football.
I would also like to apologize to president Massimo Moratti, who has always shown faith in me, I also want to apologize to the referees."
Eto'o was not sent off during the match for the incident as it was not caught by any of the officials. But evidence shown on video replay was enough for the league to issue the punishment. Inter Milan have decided to appeal the ruling.
At no point did Eto'o make any apologies to the man he headbutted, and Cesar has not been sanctioned in any way for his part in the incident.
Eto'o appeared to take his frustration out on Cesar after the Chievo defender was called for a foul for unintentionally striking the Cameroonian in the face with his hand. As the two were backing away from the scene of the foul, Cesar appeared to be
saying something to Eto'o which set the Milan striker off and prompted the headbutt. What Cesar actually said, or who it was directed to, nobody has revealed.
The loss of Eto'o for three games comes as yet another setback to Inter's beleaguered manager Rafael Benitez. After winning five straight Serie A titles culminating in a Champions League victory last season under Jose Mourinho, the Nerazzurri appear
to be on the decline as they have slipped to sixth place in the Italian League and are in danger of not qualifying for the knock-out phase of the Champions League.
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