Soccer star Samuel Eto'o's inspiring stand against racism has won him the Medal of Tolerance, as the European Council warned that prejudice still stalked the game in Europe.
The former Cameroon and Barcelona striker was to receive the honour from the European Council at a Tolerance and Reconciliation gala dinner in London's Kensington Palace, the home of Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate.
Eto'o, 33, who now plays with Sampdoria in Italy, famously tried to walk off the pitch during a Spanish match due to the racist abuse he was suffering.
"The last year has been a particularly challenging one for football in terms of hate and racism," the Eto'o said in a statement.
"As players, we need to take a moral stand because we are the people the spectators watch and we have to be a strong example of tolerance in a multi-racial society which I believe football can represent best."
Eto'o started out with Real Madrid but made his name with Barcelona, before moving on to Inter Milan, Chelsea and Everton.
In 2005 while playing for Barcelona, Eto'o was heavily racially abused by Real Zaragoza fans, who made monkey chants whenever he touched the ball.
The following year, when again being abused by Zaragoza supporters, Eto'o tried to walk off the pitch, telling the referee he could not continue, before his team-mates persuaded him to complete the match.
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