It has been over 31 years since one of the most shocking and controversial moments in Premier League history occurred.
Eric Cantona, the Manchester United legend, delivered his infamous “kung-fu kick” to a Crystal Palace supporter during a Premier League match—a moment that would be etched into football folklore forever.
The incident took place at Selhurst Park, where Cantona, provoked by taunts from a supporter named Matthew Simmons, lost his composure. In a split second, he leapt towards the stands and kicked the fan, sending shockwaves through English football and the global media.
Immediate Consequences for Cantona
Following the incident, Cantona faced severe legal and sporting consequences. Initially sentenced to two weeks in prison, the term was later reduced to 120 hours of community service. Additionally, the Football Association (FA) banned him from playing for nine months, while Manchester United suspended him until the end of the season.
The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw. David May had given United the lead in the second half, but Crystal Palace equalized through Gareth Southgate ten minutes before full time. Despite the result, the match was entirely overshadowed by Cantona’s shocking act, prompting widespread questions about how Sir Alex Ferguson would react in the dressing room.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Legendary Temper
Ferguson was widely known for his “hairdryer treatment” and uncompromising approach to managing his players. Naturally, many expected him to unleash his fury on Cantona immediately. However, accounts from Manchester United players paint a very different picture.
Former winger Lee Sharpe described Ferguson entering the dressing room in an explosive state, but not primarily targeting Cantona.
“The manager came in, and he was absolutely furious. The door nearly flew off its hinges. He threw his jacket off, rolled up his sleeves, steam almost seemed to come out of his ears, and his mouth was frothing with anger,” Sharpe recalled.
Sharpe continued, describing the chaotic scene: “Benches, jerseys, balls, cups of tea, and plates with sandwiches were flying everywhere. Hot water spilled on us, and egg sandwiches ended up behind our necks.”
Players braced themselves, assuming Cantona would be the main target of Ferguson’s wrath. Yet Ferguson’s focus was elsewhere.
Everyone Took the Blame Except Cantona
Sharpe recalled that Ferguson vented his anger at several players first:
“Pallister, you can’t head the ball or make a tackle. Ince, where were you? Sharpey, my grandmother runs faster than you! You’re all embarrassing. Tomorrow at 9 a.m., I’ll drain every ounce of energy out of you in training. Shameful.”
Finally, Ferguson addressed Cantona directly:
“And Eric, you can’t go around doing things like that, lad.”
Andy Cole, who had just joined Manchester United at the time, also recalled the incident. He admitted he did not fully understand what had happened on the pitch and only grasped the situation after seeing a television replay.
“I honestly didn’t know what was going on. I was on the pitch but wasn’t sure if a supporter came onto the field or if Eric did what he did. Watching it later, I thought, ‘Wow.’ Some of us expected the manager to explode at Eric,” Cole said.
However, Ferguson’s anger, as Cole confirmed, was primarily directed at the team’s failure to win the match, not Cantona’s actions.
The Aftermath of the Kung-Fu Kick
Following the incident, Cantona was arrested and pled guilty to assault. His initial prison sentence was reduced to community service, and at club level, United banned him from playing for the rest of the season while docking his wages for two weeks. The FA extended his ban until the end of September 1995.
The incident had lasting repercussions: Cantona was barred from representing the French national team and never played for Les Bleus again. At age 28, he returned to France and swore off Manchester United—until Ferguson convinced him to return.
Cantona made his comeback on October 1, 1995, against Liverpool, scoring a penalty and celebrating with his signature gestures, almost as if ready to leap into the stands again.
Public Sympathy and Matthew Simmons’ Fallout
Public sentiment gradually shifted after details emerged about Matthew Simmons, the fan Cantona kicked. Simmons had directed racist abuse at Cantona and had a prior criminal record. He was fined £500 and banned from attending matches for a year.
In a twist of irony, Simmons even attacked Cantona’s lawyer in protest, leading to a one-week prison sentence—longer than Cantona’s time behind bars.
Cantona’s Reflection on the Incident
Years later, Cantona has spoken candidly about the event, showing little regret.
“My best moment? I had many great moments, but my favorite was kicking that hooligan. I only have one regret—I should have kicked him harder,” Cantona admitted in an interview.
The incident remains one of the most talked-about events in Premier League history, blending controversy, legend, and a glimpse into the fiery personality of both Cantona and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Legacy of the Kung-Fu Kick
Beyond the legal and sporting punishments, the kung-fu kick became a defining moment of Cantona’s career. It highlighted the thin line between genius and madness in football, the intensity of Premier League matches, and Ferguson’s unique management style.
The incident continues to be analyzed, debated, and remembered, serving as both a cautionary tale and a legendary story that encapsulates the drama, passion, and unpredictability of English football.
ALSO READ :
