Saturday 21 June 2014 11:52, UK
Benoit Assou-Ekotto has explained his 'headbutt' on Cameroon team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo in the 4-0 defeat to Croatia.
The Tottenham left-back, who spent last season on loan at QPR, was involved in an angry exchange with midfielder Moukandjo towards the end of Wednesday's World Cup Group A clash in Manaus.
Assou-Ekotto threw his head towards Moukandjo in the closing moments in an unsavoury conclusion to the contest.
In L’Equipe, Assou-Ekotto attempted to explain what led to his confrontation with the Nancy forward.
"It all started with the first match against Mexico (a 1-0 defeat)," said the 30-year-old. "Moukandjo was on my flank, he tried to dribble past two opponents and lost the ball.
"I told him he should pass it to me. He replied I was right. The same situation happened against Croatia again. Everyone can make a mistake. But when I told him again, he replied: "Get off my back!"
"I could not accept his reaction. There was so much frustration in that match.
"Now people take me for an idiot. I could not control my temper. If the score was 0-0, it would have not happened.
"When we went back to the changing-room, Samuel Eto’o talked to me, but I was so angry that I didn’t admit I was wrong.
"The next day, we met with Moukandjo again during breakfast and we shook hands.
"That kind of thing can happen when a team doesn’t work right. I didn’t think. Millions of people were watching at the match, and a lot of kids.
"I have not been threatened with a ban from the group. I am a human being and I can get upset just like anyone.”
