Share

Inter set to appeal Eto'o ban

Johannesburg - Inter Milan will appeal against the three-match ban imposed on Samuel Eto'o for violent conduct.

The Cameroon striker was punished on Tuesday by Italian football's Disciplinary Commission for head-butting Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar during the 2-1 defeat in Verona on Sunday.

In a Zinedine Zidane-style attack, Eto'o aimed his head into the chest of the centre-back in the 38th minute, but was not reprimanded as the referee did not see the incident.

The Lega Calcio fined Eto'o €30 000 (£25 596) and have since banned him after seeing video replays, but the Nerazzuri will appeal against the decision.

A statement from the club said: "Inter announces that it will appeal against the three-match ban handed to Samuel Eto'o."

Eto'o could now miss games against Parma, Lazio and Fiorentina, and his absence will be keenly felt by manager Rafa Benitez.

The Inter boss is under pressure as they lie nine points behind Serie A leaders and rivals AC Milan.

Eto'o has scored nine league goals so far this season and if the ban is upheld, will only return to top-flight duty when the Italian champions host Napoli on 6th January.

Chievo defender Cesar had caught the African star with a sly punch before the head-butt, and the Slovenia international says there is no bad feeling.

"Of course I didn't like what Samuel did, but I can understand his actions," he said.

"Eto'o had struck me twice with his elbow and then - I admit - I threw a punch at him. After that he ran at me and hit me with his head. 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 727 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 365 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE