Samuel Eto'o has broken his silence for the first time since video footage emerged of him appearing to knee a supporter in the head after Brazil's clash with South Korea.
The Cameroonian footballing icon took to social media with a statement that read: "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-Algerla 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."
The incident took place outside Stadium 974 and while it is unclear what triggered the ugly scenes, Eto'o's mood shifted suddenly after happily posing with other fans for photos just seconds before.
The 41-year-old former striker has been in Qatar all tournament as a global legacy ambassador for FIFA.
Footage of the assault shows a number of people desperately trying to hold Eto'o back before he delivers a pretty brutal knee to the antagonist which sends him to the ground.
It then looked as if the fan in question has his camera confiscated by someone else before standing up.
Both FIFA and the Qatari authorities are now likely to face pressure to investigate what happened, while reports claim the individual involved - an Algerian YouTuber - will file a complaint.
Outlet Cope claim that the Youtuber - identified as 'Saduni SM', has alleged to have filed a complaint for assault and material damage and while claiming his camera was broken in the incident.
