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What happened to the fan that Eric Cantona kicked?

The Frenchman was handed a nine-month suspension from football after kicking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmonds after being sent off in the clash in January 1995, where he also pleaded guilty to assault and served a community sentence period.

What happened to the guy that Cantona kicked?

Simmons was jailed for a week for the attack. The court also ordered Simmons to pay a £500 fine as well as £200 in legal costs. Cantona, meanwhile, was given a two week jail term, which was later reduced to 150 hours community service on appeal.

Who was the fan that Eric Cantona kicked?

On this day in 1995, one of the most infamous incidents in Premier League history took place. Manchester United legend Eric Cantona kicked Crystal Palace fan, Matthew Simmonds, in the middle of a match after being sent off. He was subsequently banned by the FA for nine months.

Who was the Crystal Palace fan Cantona?

Anyone watching the BBC documentary on the rise of the Premier League will be wondering if this actually happened. Yes. Yes it did. Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons had antagonised the player as he walked past him so much, it resulted in one of the most extraordinary events in English football history.

What did the Crystal Palace fan say to Cantona?

As Simmons received a guilty verdict for his part in the Cantona incident he launched himself over the front bench and grabbed prosecutor Jeffrey McCann before being apprehended by court staff. Simmons then shouted “I am innocent, I swear on the Bible” and called the press “scum”.

31 related questions found

What did Eric Cantona speech mean?

(Image credit: Getty Images) 7 DAYS OF KING ERIC Cantona week on FourFourTwo. Cantona himself claimed the quote doesn't mean anything. Speaking years later on the Jonathan Ross Show, he seemed amuse at those that tried to “analyse” what he said. “It means nothing,” he said.

What did Eric Cantona say about seagulls?

Eric Cantona delivered one of the most famous phrases football has ever known when he uttered the immortal and completely baffling words: 'When seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea. '

What happened to Matthew Simmons Crystal Palace fan?

MATTHEW SIMMONS, the Crystal Palace fan who was assaulted by Manchester United striker Eric Cantona, attacked the prosecutor after being found guilty in London yesterday on two charges of using threatening words and behaviour.

Why did Eric Cantona wear his collar up?

Cantona was superstitious as many other footballers were, and on this occasion, it is said that after feeling a twinge of sciatica, he decided to wear the collar up, possibly to remind him of the importance of that famous posture.

What happened to Matthew Simmons?

Simmons, 36, will be sentenced on 9 May after being found guilty of assault. The pair clashed last August at a football pitch in front of dozens of young footballers following several years of "bad blood" over the exclusion, prosecutor Michael Logsdon told the jury.

What did Eric Cantona do illegal?

The FA had thrown the book at United's talisman, banning him from any football related activity including reserve matches. And he almost never played for United again, after he was caught out for featuring in a friendly match organised behind closed doors.

Did Eric Cantona get jailed?

As well as disciplinary action from his club and The FA, Cantona was also faced with a criminal charge of assault, which he admitted to on 23 March, resulting in a two-week prison sentence, although he was freed on bail pending an appeal.

Did Eric Cantona wear studs?

On 25 January, 1995, Eric Cantona hurled himself studs-first into one of the most unforgettable moments in Premier League history and, apparently, Alex Ferguson didn't come down too hard on his talisman at the time.

Why does the seagulls follow the trawler?

At a press conference after his conviction for a kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan, Cantona declared: "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.

When the seagulls follow the trawler date?

After the conference was over everyone was asking questions about it.” It was interpreted as a dig at the press, with Cantona the trawler and the press pack the hungry seagulls. On January 25, 1995, Cantona had been sent off early in the second half of a Premier League match away to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Why did Cantona retire at 30?

Eric Cantona claims he retired from football because, well, he was bored of it. That's the most Cantona-esque reason there could be. But the Frenchman claimed in an interview a few years back that he announced his shocking decision to retire from football in 1997 because he had no 'passion' left for the game.

Who did Eric Cantona score his first United goal against?

Cantona made his United debut against Manchester City in December 1992, coming on as a second-half substitute. United won 2-1 thanks to goals from Paul Ince and Mark Hughes. Despite a disappointing start to the season, five months later, United were champions for the first time in more than two decades.

How rich is Eric Cantona?

Eric Cantona Net Worth

Eric Cantona has a net worth of $25 million (£19m) on paper. The highest percentage of the sum came from his playing career that spanned over 2 decades. The other prominent source of income for the French footballer is his involvement in the acting industry.

Who is the richest footballer in the world?

The world's richest footballer, Faiq Bolkiah has finally found his feet following his career lifeline move to Thai side Chonburi FC.

How much is Sir Alex Ferguson?

Sir Alex Ferguson Net Worth and Salary: Sir Alex Ferguson is a former Scottish professional football player and manager who has a net worth of $70 million.

What number shirt did George Best wear?

As a left winger, where he played exclusively in his debut season and nearly all of the 1971–72 campaign, he wore the number 11. Best wore the number 8 shirt at inside right on occasion throughout the 1960s, but for more than half of his matches during 1970–71.

Where did Roy Keane go after Man Utd?

Keane helped United achieve a sustained period of success during his 12 years at the club. He then signed for Celtic, where he won a domestic double before he retired as a player in 2006.