On January 25, 1995, Eric Cantona committed the single most INSANE act in English football history. After being sent off at Crystal Palace, a fan — Matthew Simmons — ran down to hurl abuse at him. Cantona's response? A flying KUNG FU KICK to the man's chest. In front of the cameras. In front of the whole world. THE KING had lost his mind!
Country: France Position: Forward Career: 1983-1997 Clubs: Auxerre, Martigues, Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Nîmes, Leeds United, Manchester United
The Rap Sheet
- Kung fu kicked Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons at Selhurst Park on January 25, 1995
- Was banned for 9 months and sentenced to 120 hours of community service
- At his press conference after the incident he said: 'When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea'
- Was sent off FOUR times for Nîmes in France — including throwing the ball at a referee
- Had already been banned by the French Football Federation for calling the national team manager 'a bag of s***'
The Verdict
Cantona was Manchester United's king — the player who transformed the club. But that kung fu kick is one of the most shocking moments in all of sport, not just football. He's a genius, a philosopher, and a kung fu master. Only Cantona could be all three!
Watch the Chaos
Tomorrow: #10 — Stay tuned for the next villain!
