Remember: Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick on fan

It's 21 years since Manchester United striker Eric Cantona was banned from football following an infamous kung fu-style attack on a fan.
Eric Cantona launches his infamous kung-fu-style attack on a fan.Eric Cantona launches his infamous kung-fu-style attack on a fan.
Eric Cantona launches his infamous kung-fu-style attack on a fan.

The French star had been sent off by Chester-le-Street referee Alan Wilkie for deliberately kicking Crystal Palace's Richard Shaw in the game at Selhurst Park on 25 January 1995.

As he left the field, Cantona reacted angrily to abuse from a home supporter, and launched a two-footed kung-fu-style kick towards him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cantona received an eight-month ban from all football activities, and was also stripped of his national captaincy.

He eventually received a two-week jail sentence for the assault, which ultimately led to his infamous speech referring to seagulls and trawlers.

However, referee Wilkie had no idea at all about what had gone on, as he was talking to United's Andy Cole at the time.

He revealed: "It was only in the dressing room that one of the assistants told me what he (Cantona) had done."

So, for fans of football and martial arts, we invite you to relive one of sport’s most infamous moments…