Samuel Eto'o has made an outspoken attack on racism in football.
Samuel Eto'o has made an impassioned and outspoken attack on racism in football after being subjected to abuse during Barcelona's victory over Zaragoza last weekend.The Cameroonian striker - who was voted African player of the year on Tuesday - was the target of monkey chants throughout Sunday's game at La Romareda, which Barca won 4-1.
Eto'o responded by dancing like a monkey after scoring his side's third goal to protest against the vile abuse he received.
After the game, the 23-year-old lambasted his treatment at the hands of the Zaragoza fans, and warned about the potential for racism to end up in violent attacks outside of football grounds.
"I am a coloured guy, and if somebody pays for a ticket to make a monkey noise at me, then I'll act like a monkey," he stated.
"I used to think that these racist shouts were just a phase, but more and more people are getting involved and it is regrettable.
"Sometimes I think: Is something going to happen to my daughter in school?
"We have to stop this because one day you don't know what might happen away from the pitch.
"At the end of the day, I earn a lot of money and sometimes even see myself as white, but they could kill a black lad on the street some day.
"Perhaps clubs can do something, but those who hold most power are white footballers like Deco, who I thank from the heart for celebrating my goal with me, white journalists, who can write against this kind of thing in the papers and speak about it on the radio and television and help coloured people, because these things are happening and we can't hide from it."
However, Eto'o remained cautious about the recent campaign launched against racism by Nike, insinuating - like Manchester United's Gary Neville last week - that certain people were jumping on the bandwagon for personal gain.
"Racism has not only started now and if someone wants to launch a campaign against it then good, but there is always a something behind it in the end, money."
