6 forgotten Eric Cantona moments from Man Utd icon's seagull speech to match tantrum

Published date25 January 2022
Publication titleDaily Star: Web Edition Articles (England)
Red carded for kicking out at Crystal Palace centre-back Richard Shaw, Cantona responded to jeers from the home contingent by taking matters into his own hands -or feet in this instance

Jumping into the crowd with both feet raised, the Frenchman executed a flying kung-fu kick in the direction of Eagles supporter Matthew Simmons, who Cantona alleges issued profanities about his race.

The United forward was slapped with fines totalling £30,000 and 120 hours of community service for the assault whilst also facing an eight-month suspension from the FA.

Now Daily Star Sport examines Cantona's forgotten moments including a press conference all about seagulls and a suspension for throwing a hissy fit in a friendly...

Seagull press conference

Following his sentencing for the kung-fu kick, Cantona called a press conference where it was thought he would show remorse for his actions and apologise unreservedly for the assault.

However, the Frenchman did nothing of the sort, instead offering a cryptic message about seagulls.

What's your favourite Eric Cantona moment Let us know in the comments section.

"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea," Cantona told the press.

And while the football world tried to make sense of Cantona's confusing clue, ex-United midfielder Gordon Strachan pulled no punches about his 'apology'.

He said: "If a Frenchman goes on about seagulls, trawlers and sardines, he’s called a philosopher,

“I’d just be called a short Scottish bum talking crap."

Instant impact on his return

It was almost poetic that King Eric's United return would be marked with the arrival of fierce rivals Liverpool.

And it took the forward just 69 seconds to make an immediate impact after eight months away from the Old Trafford limelight.

Cantona's cross inside two minutes picked out Nicky Butt at the far post who lifted the ball over Reds 'keeper David James to put United in front.

Not settling for just one moment of glory, Cantona then stepped up to smash home a second-half penalty, to level the match at 2-2, and make sure it was he who hit the headlines on his United return.

Tantrum in a friendly

Away from matters at Old Trafford, Cantona was once suspended for a month by Marseille for deliberately hoofing a ball into the crowd and then throwing his shirt at the referee.

Never one to shy away from confrontation, the Frenchman was clearly distraught at being substituted though perhaps you can forgive manager...

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