On this day in 1995: Eric Cantona’s infamous kung-fu kick at Selhurst Park

28 years ago today, Eric Cantona further cemented his status as a Manchester United legend when he launched himself at a racist fan in the stands at Selhurst Park.

The match between the Red Devils and Crystal Palace ended 1-1, though it’s unlikely the score made many headlines following the second-half incident.

‘King Eric’ had been shown a red card after a tussle with Palace defender Richard Shaw. As he made his way back down the tunnel, a Palace fan (Matthew Simmons) hurried down the steps in the terraces and began shouting xenophobic and racist abuse at the Frenchman.

Cantona responded in the only way you’d expect him to – leaping in and kicking him into the following week. He consequently received a nine-month ban by the FA, ruling him out of the remainder of the season, as well as a hefty fine.

Still, he showed no remorse, and rightly so. Years later, Cantona admitted his only regret regarding the situation – that he didn’t kick him more.

The former Red garnered praise from supporters as well as football neutrals, due to him kickstarting the ‘kick racism out of football’ movement.

The kung-fu kick

Take a look at the iconic moment below:

On this day in 1995… Eric Cantona did this.pic.twitter.com/GewhglAPWp

— 90s Football (@90sfootball) January 25, 2023

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