Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has revealed that he only regrets the infamous “kung fu” incident in 1995 when he jumped into the stands at Selhurst Park to kick an abusive Crystal Palace fan – he wishes he had kicked him “even harder”.
The flash point came when Cantona received a red card after stopping losing his temper with Palace defender Richard Shaw’s careful attention and hitting his marker. Palace fan Matthew Simmonds had then driven down 11 rows to the stand to throw obscenities at Cantona.
Cantona had already been rejected when he jumped into the crowd at Selhurst Park | Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
The Frenchman, who had been the catalyst for United winning back-to-back Premier League titles in 1992/93 and 1993/94 and on their way to a third, skipped the hamsters in Simmonds and joined with a high kick, as well as landing a few strokes.
Cantona were immediately suspended by United for the rest of the season, despite the damage it would do to their hopes of winning a third straight title and second domestic double in a row. The FA later increased the ban until the end of September, while he even received a first two-week prison sentence, which was later reduced to community service.
United lost both the Premier League title and the FA Cup final in 1995 and Cantona eventually returned to a completely different United side in October 1995, with several more established players sold in his absence and replaced by a young group of home-grown stars. But he once again proved to be the catalyst for a new wave of success, with both his own quality and acting as a leader.
Looking back on the incident 26 years later in a new documentary called The United Way, Cantona has said that the FA wanted to set an example for him. Despite the impact on his career, after being removed from the French captain and never representing his country again, he does not regret that it happened, only that he wished he had made tougher contact.
Cantona is still a legend among Man Utd fans | AFP Contributor / Getty Images
“I have been insulted thousands of times and have never reacted, but sometimes you are fragile. I’m sorry. I would have liked to have kicked him even harder. I was banned for nine months. They wanted me to be an example, ”explained the cult hero at Old Trafford.
Cantona also spoke affectionately of Sir Alex Ferguson, who clung to him after the incident, revealing that the shots were a patronage that he “loved” and “respected”.
“The boss found the right words as always. And I loved him and respected him. Like a father. When a manager does something like this to his player, the player will give his life to the manager, to the club and to the fans.”
Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson after Man Utd’s 1996 league and cup double | Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
Earlier in 2011, Cantona had told the BBC that it was a “fantastic feeling” to put “hooligan” in his place. Although it was one of the best memories of a famous career, he also said that he considered it a “mistake”, which is still consistent with his attitude without remorse.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
