Eric Cantona (Part 3)

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29 Mar 2024

Eric Cantona (Part 3)

Manchester United aimed for a third consecutive league title, with Eric Cantona playing a pivotal role in the club's campaign. The season commenced triumphantly with a 2–0 victory over Blackburn in the Charity Shield, where Cantona confidently converted a penalty. Throughout the season, Cantona's scoring prowess contributed to United's relentless pursuit of Blackburn, who maintained their lead at the top of the table for a significant portion of the campaign.
Notable performances included a crucial 4–2 win against Blackburn at Ewood Park, where Cantona found the back of the net. He further showcased his talent in a memorable 5–0 derby victory over Manchester City and secured a vital 1–0 win over Blackburn with a decisive goal in January, tightening the title race. By this point, Cantona had amassed an impressive tally of 12 league goals for the season, with additional contributions in FA Cup fixtures, including a goal in a third-round victory against Sheffield United.

The arrival of striker Andy Cole from Newcastle United bolstered United's attacking options, instilling hope for further success in both domestic competitions. However, on 25 January 1995, Cantona's season took a dramatic turn during an away match against Crystal Palace. Frustrated by the close marking of Palace defender Richard Shaw, Cantona was sent off by the referee for a retaliatory kick aimed at Shaw. As Cantona made his way towards the tunnel, he infamously launched a 'kung-fu' style kick towards a Palace supporter, Matthew Simmons, who had hurled abusive remarks at him. The incident sparked widespread controversy and garnered global attention.
In the aftermath of the incident, Cantona's actions were met with scrutiny and condemnation. At a subsequent press conference, Cantona addressed the incident with deliberate solemnity, marking a moment of introspection and accountability for the footballing icon.

Cantona's departure from the press conference left a lasting impression, with journalists puzzled by his cryptic words and abrupt exit. The incident that followed, on January 25, 1995, during an away match against Crystal Palace, made headlines globally. After being sent off for kicking Palace defender Richard Shaw, Cantona unleashed a 'kung-fu' style kick at Palace supporter Matthew Simmons, who had hurled abuse at him. Cantona's actions resulted in a criminal charge of assault, leading to a two-week prison sentence, later reduced to 120 hours of community service. Meanwhile, Simmons faced his own trial, receiving a fine and a ban from the stadium for his behavior.

In addition to legal consequences, Cantona faced disciplinary action from Manchester United and The FA. He was fined £20,000 by the club and suspended from playing for the remainder of the season, with The FA imposing an eight-month ban and a further fine. FIFA extended the ban globally, and Cantona was stripped of the captaincy of the France national team, effectively ending his international career. Despite speculation about his future, Cantona decided to stay at Manchester United, despite interest from foreign clubs.

Reflecting on the incident years later, Cantona admitted it was a mistake, but also acknowledged the sense of vindication it brought him. The 'kung-fu' kick incident gained notoriety, ranking 12th in Channel 4's poll of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. In hindsight, Simmons' behavior would likely be viewed as racial abuse, highlighting the complexities of the situation. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, with parallels drawn to modern instances of player abuse, emphasizing the need for decisive action to combat such behavior.
In his highly anticipated return against Liverpool on October 1, 1995, Cantona wasted no time in making an impact, setting up a goal for Nicky Butt and converting a penalty to salvage a 2–2 draw for Manchester United. However, the prolonged absence had its toll, and Cantona struggled to find his rhythm in the initial months, with Manchester United falling behind in the title race by 12 points by Christmas Eve.

But as the new year dawned, a remarkable turnaround ensued. United embarked on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the league, with Cantona showcasing his brilliance with crucial goals, including a memorable brace against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. His stunning half-volley against Arsenal further fueled United's resurgence, propelling them to the top of the league standings, a position they held onto for the remainder of the season.
Cantona's personal scoring streak, encompassing six consecutive league matches, epitomized his pivotal role in United's title charge. His decisive goal against Nottingham Forest and the subsequent victory against Middlesbrough secured United's third league title in four years. Finishing the season as the club's top scorer with 14 goals, Cantona's contribution was instrumental in their triumph.

Although ineligible for the League Cup and UEFA Cup due to his ban, Cantona played a crucial role in United's journey to the 1996 FA Cup Final. In the absence of regular captain Steve Bruce, Cantona led by example, donning the armband and sealing victory against Liverpool with a sublime volley in the 86th minute. This triumph not only secured United's status as the first club to achieve the Double twice but also etched Cantona's name in history as the first FA Cup-winning captain from outside the British Isles.

As part of the Football League's centenary celebrations, Cantona was honored as one of its 100 League Legends, recognizing his remarkable contributions to English football. His legacy was further solidified in 2002 when he became one of the inaugural inductees into the English Football Hall of Fame. Later that same year, Cantona organized a match featuring Manchester United players against a team comprising players from around the world. Initially intended as a memorial for the victims of the Munich air disaster in 1958, the event was merged with a testimonial for Cantona himself, underscoring his enduring influence on the sport.

An Evening with Eric Cantona was hosted at the Lowry in Salford, Greater Manchester in February 2017, providing fans with a rare opportunity to engage with the footballing icon.
Cantona's retirement from playing was revealed in Alex Ferguson's 1999 autobiography Managing My Life, shortly after Manchester United's Champions League semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Despite speculation about his future, including rumors of a move to Real Zaragoza, Cantona's decision to retire was prompted by a loss of passion for the game. Reflecting on his premature retirement, Cantona acknowledged the challenges of transitioning away from football and expressed a sense of longing for the sport he loved.

In subsequent years, Cantona remained vocal about his disapproval of the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United, stating his reluctance to return to the club while they remained in charge. Despite being approached for potential managerial roles, Cantona maintained his stance, emphasizing his commitment to creating a team aligned with his vision of football.
In March 2014, Cantona was arrested and cautioned for an act of common assault in North London. The incident drew attention, reflecting the complexities of Cantona's public persona.
Cantona's impact on football was further recognized when he received the UEFA President's Award in August 2019. His enigmatic acceptance speech, characterized by references to literature and philosophy, mirrored the mystique surrounding his persona, leaving the audience captivated and contemplative, much like his famous "seagulls" press conference in 1995.