Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has apologised for head-butting Chievo Verona defender Bostjan Cesar.
Eto'o has been handed a three-game ban by Italian football's Disciplinary Commission for the offence during Inter's 2-1 defeat last weekend.
In the incident similar to Zinedine Zidane's attack on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, Eto'o aimed his head into the chest of Cesar in the first half, but was not reprimanded as the referee did not see the incident.
Inter have confirmed they plan to appeal the suspension and now Eto'o has apologised for his actions.
"I wish to offer my sincere apologies to all the people who could have been shocked and surprised by my unfortunate gesture last Sunday in Verona," said Eto'o in a statement released by his agent.
"My apologies go to all the protagonists of the game, to the referees who could not have seen this foul because it was out of their visual range, but also to all the Inter fans and to all those who love football.
"My apologies also go to my coach and team mates, whom I leave for three Serie A games. Finally, I ask forgiveness from president (Massimo) Moratti, who has always trusted me."
