10 Biggest Premier League Controversies
1. Eric Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
The Background:
Arguably the first Premier League superstar, French forward Eric Cantona is charismatic, egotistical, emotionally brittle and supremely talented on the pitch. In the inaugural Premier League season he had left Leeds, the final champions of the old First Division, for their bitter rivals Manchester United and won United their first league title in 26 years.
At the same time, though, he had also received a £1000 fine for spitting at Leeds fans jeering him on his return to Elland Road with United.
United have won the past two titles and are chasing a third at the time of their visit to Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park in January 1995.
The Controversy:
With the game at 0-0, Cantona, becoming increasingly frustrated at the close marking he is receiving from Palace's Richard Shaw, lashes out and kicks the defender, receiving an immediate red card.
As Cantona heads for the tunnel, Palace fan Matthew Simmons dashes down the steps of the stand to hurl abuse at him. Cantona alleges that Simmons says "f*ck off back to France, you French b*stard" and throws something at him. In response, the Frenchman leaps the advertising hoardings and aims a flying "kung fu kick" at Simmons before punching him repeatedly.
He is arrested for assault and faces charges from both his club and the FA.
The Aftermath:
Cantona is fined £20,000 and banned from all football worldwide for nine months. During that time United lose the league title to Blackburn on the final day of the season.
He is also sentenced to two weeks in prison, which is later reduced to 120 hours community service. Cantona fulfills this by coaching young players.
Stripped of the captaincy of the French national team, Cantona never plays for his country again. They go on to win the next World Cup.
His return in October 1995 is treated as a moment of glory amongst United fans who hail him as a homecoming hero. With Cantona leading the line, United win a historic second league and cup double. Cantona captains the team and scores the winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.