ERIC Cantona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the field.
But in spite of his glittering career, Cantona is probably best remembered for fly-kicking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons — but what led to the French football legend lashing out?
AFP or licensorsEric Cantona attacking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons on January 25, 1995[/caption]
Who is Eric Cantona?
Eric Daniel Pierre Cantona, born on May 24, 1966 in Marseille, France, is an actor, musician and former professional footballer.
During his stellar football career, which spanned over a decade between the years of 1983 and 1996, he played as a forward for Auxerre, Marseille, Nimes, Leeds United and Manchester United — as well as enjoying loan spells with Martigues, Bordeaux and Montpellier.
When Manchester United paid just over £1million to sign Eric Cantona from Leeds in November 1992, it stunned football.
From languishing tenth, they lost just two more games and became champions for the first time since 1967.
Cantona spent only five seasons at Old Trafford before his shock retirement in 1996, but inspired the Reds to four titles, two FA Cups and was voted the club’s greatest ever player by fans.
Why did Eric Cantona kick a fan?
During the 1994-95 season the Frenchman ‘kung fu-kicked’ a Crystal Palace fan on January 25, 1995.
Having been sent off for a pull on Richard Shaw’s shirt, Cantona reacted poorly to Eagles fan Matthew Simmons’ provocative heckling.
Simmons charged 11 rows down to the pitch-side and allegedly barked: “F*** off back to France, you French motherf***er.”
Retribution from Cantona was swift and unnecessarily violent, as he launched, studs-first, into Simmons.
Cantona was sentenced to two weeks in prison — although was later freed on bail and ordered to undergo 120 hours of community service — as well as being fined £20,000 and banned from first-team action for the rest of the season by the FA.
But what did the Frenchman have to say for himself?
Decades later everyone is still trying to figure it out: “When the seagulls follow the trawlers, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”
It took a while for the French forward to regain his form following the ban, but ultimately he played a key role in leading United to yet another league-cup double.
Of that astonishing flashpoint, Cantona says: “I’ve said before I should have kicked him harder but maybe tomorrow I’ll say something else.
“I cannot regret it. It was a great feeling. I learned from it — I think he (Simmons) learned too.
“Nine months was a long time out and I struggled for a time but thanks to Ferguson we won the Double with a new generation.
“I was lucky and proud to play with two generations, with Mark Hughes and Paul Ince, then that great younger (Class of 92) generation.”
Where is Eric Cantona now?
Cantona has rocked the world once again after announcing the release of his debut album — ahead of his sell-out tour.
The 57-year-old announced his switch to the world of music in June this year, and his EP ‘I’ll Make My Own Heaven’ is set to be released on October 20th.
It includes songs in English and French titled The Friends We Lost, Tu Me Diras, I’ll Make My Own Heaven and Je Veux.
The former forward will embark on a five-date tour in Manchester, London and Dublin towards the end of October 2023.
Describing his love for music writing, Cantona said: “Writing is a way for me to exist, as only my existence can result in writing this way.
“Why start today, so many years later? Simply because I had lacked the time before.
“During lockdown, I finally managed to give the guitar a serious go, and even though I’m still a poor guitarist, I felt confident enough to whip a few songs into shape.
“I’ll be starting in Manchester, because it’s a city that has stayed with me so much. For the football of course, but also the general atmosphere.”
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