I Don’t Regret Kung-Fu Kick Even After Two Decades, Says Eric Cantona
Feb 23, 2017 at 4:45 PM
The Premier League is one of the most competitive domestic leagues in Europe so it does not come as a surprise that the players and the fans are head over heels for their favourite clubs.
Not too long ago, a memory that will still stay fresh in every Premier League fan’s memory, Manchester United star Eric Cantona did something that was never seen in a field of football.
In a league game against Crystal Palace, Cantona, who is known for his ill tempered approach to the game, came up with something that got him banned for a long time.
The French international was sent off for a foul on a Palace player and Cantona, the gaffer that he is, did not take the card seriously.
The footballer turned actor, was captured on live TV, booting a Palace supporter in the stands.
Matthew Simmons, a Crystal Palace fan in the front row of the Selhurst Park for this game, was seen mouthing some abuse to the player from the stands and Cantono, who was sent off, could not take it anymore.
He approached Simmons in the crowd and went on to boot him with both his feet.
Here is a video of this incident:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFsW6vvBwHk
These actions for Cantona saw him suspended for 9 full months under Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United went on to miss out on the Premier League title that season.
Speaking to the media recently, Cantona, opened up about this incident two decades ago and revealed that he has no regrets whatsoever.
“I’ve said before I should have kicked him harder but maybe tomorrow I’ll say something else,” he said at a Q&A session.
“I cannot regret it. It was a great feeling. I learned from it — I think he (Simmons) learned too,” the sly Manchester United man said.
Now 50, Cantona, is one of the most decorated players for the club in its history, having lifted 6 top flight titles, including 4league titles in his time at the Old Trafford.
He went on to say that he was happy that Ferguson got them back to winning ways.
“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,” Cantona added.
Though the Frenchman was involved in many controversies in his football career, this remains his biggest and he will forever be remembered for his antics in this game.