Assou-Ekotto explains what happened between himself and Team mate Moukandjo

Benoit Assou-Ekotto has apologised for his attempted headbutt on Cameroon team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo in the 4-0 defeat to Croatia.The Tottenham left back, who was on loan at QPR last season, was involved in an angry exchange with his team-mate towards the end of Wednesday’s game in Manaus.

He threw his head towards Moukandjo in the final moments in an unsavoury finish to the contest.

Assou-Ekotto told L’Equipe: “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.”

London24