The Ivory Coast supporter, Mr. Anselme Santos, who was captured on camera attempting to flirt with a young woman during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match between the Ivory Coast and Senegal, has finally addressed the incident that garnered widespread attention on social media.
The video featuring Mr. Santos circulated on various social media platforms, sparking a range of reactions from the online community. In the footage, he can be seen trying to gain the attention of a seemingly disinterested young lady, leading to criticism and ridicule from online users. Some speculations even suggested that Mr. Santos might be romantically involved with the girl in question.
In response to the viral video, Mr. Santos appeared on presenter Willy Dumbo’s show on Wednesday to share his side of the story and shed light on the incident that became a topic of debate on social media.
Mr. Santos began by recounting the atmosphere among Ivory Coast fans on the day of the match, expressing their initial joy as the team had a formidable performance. He explained that after boarding the bus with Senegalese fans to reach the stadium, Ivory Coast conceded the first goal, leading to a somber mood. Senegalese fans started taunting them, but Mr. Santos emphasized that such banter is a normal part of the game.
He went on to describe how, during the match, he noticed a beautiful Senegalese fan and decided to approach her in a playful manner, requesting her phone number. However, he admitted that she rejected his advances, and he respected her decision, not insisting or bringing up the matter again.
Mr. Santos clarified that the interaction was lighthearted and part of the celebratory atmosphere when Ivory Coast eventually won the match. He engaged in friendly banter with the Senegalese fan, challenging her in a spirit of fun. Despite the rejection, he maintained that the encounter was not meant to be taken seriously.
Recognizing the impact of the widely circulated video, Mr. Santos took the opportunity to issue an apology to the young lady, her associates, his wife, and his children. He expressed remorse, emphasizing that he never anticipated the video’s global dissemination and the subsequent scrutiny it brought to his personal life.
