18 January 2023 , 10:51
1195
0
It was the action that would define a career. For all the brilliance on the pitch, it is a moment of madness at Selhurst Park that Eric Cantona has become best known.
The Manchester United star reacted angrily having been abused by Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons. He launched himself into the crown, performing his now infamous kung fu kick that would earn him a lengthy FA ban, costing him the French captaincy and the threat of a prison sentence, that was later reduced to 120 hours community service
But what about the man who provoked him? Simmons faced a court trial, that would see yet more violence, as he maintained his innocence. United would drop points on their trip to south London, drawing 1-1 with the Eagles, as Cantona was sent-off for a challenge on Richard Shaw.
Simmons claimed he had shouted: "Off! Off! Off! It's an early bath for you, Mr Cantona!" during his trial in May 1996. The footballer though gave a very different version of events. He said that the fan chanted: "F*** off back to France you French bastard" whilst also calling his mother a "French whore".
Simmons was handed a £500 fine for abusive behaviour and also received a year-long stadium ban during the trial at Croydon Magistrates Court. He didn't take the verdict well however as he resorted to violence. Simmons leapt over the bench and took aim at Cantona's lawyer, kicking and grabbing prosecutor Jeffrey McCann.
Sherlock Holmes Museum boss wins fight to evict brother from home in 10-year row
He would be hauled out in handcuffs as he yelled: "I am innocent, I swear on the Bible." Simmons would spend a week in jail as a result.
The Man Utd would appear in court following the infamous incidentCantona has long been quizzed on the incident but, upon reflection, wishes he'd put more force into his kick. "I have been insulted thousands of times and have never reacted, but sometimes you are fragile," he said in The United Way. "I have one regret. I would have loved to have kicked him even harder. I was banned for nine months. They wanted me to be an example."
Ferguson, who would miss the incident as he attempted to reorganise his now 10-man team, initially felt that Cantona had to be sacked, with the club's board agreeing. They were talked out of such a move and, as the dust settled, the Scot came round to the idea of him remaining at Old Trafford.
Ferguson would later bail Cantona out once more. The forward was banned from all football - including reserve games - but was found to be playing in a behind-closed doors friendly.
"It was just a friendly game, but the journalist was on top of a tree outside and he took a picture," said Cantona. "Unfortunately he didn't fall. The next day it was in the paper and the FA wanted to ban me even more. The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] found the right words like always. And I loved him and respected him. Like a father."