Italian FA to investigate Eto´o headbutt

Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o is set for an almost certain suspension after Italian Football Federation bosses on Monday asked to be shown TV evidence of the Cameroonian headbutting Chievo’s Bostjan Cesar.

Eto’o escaped punishment for the butt — reminiscent of France legend Zinedine Zidane’s attack on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final — and even went on to score a consolation goal in the champions’ 2-1 defeat.

However the striker is now almost certain to face a two or three game ban when sporting judge Giampaolo Tosel gives his verdict on Tuesday.

The butt was seen by everyone in the ground and all those watching on TV but referee Gianluca Rocchi and his fellow officials somehow missed it.

Referee’s president Marcello Nicchi on Monday defended Rocchi claiming that such things can happen.

“It was probably a moment of relaxation and we were caught by surprise,” he said.

“The play was stopped and obviously in this moment there was relaxation.

“Eto’o’s was an ugly act, there’s no use hiding it. I’m very disappointed.

“Eto’o is a great professional and a wonderful player, I honestly don’t know what could have gone through his head.”