Kung Fu Kick by Eric Cantona

In 25th January 1995, Selhurst Stadium brings to furor by the match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Eric Cantona as a star in Manchester United, he always guarded by the Center Back. Even he was often reminded by the referee caused by his action. Several times, Cantona also give a hard protest the referee and he looked emotional.

Cantona was not able to keep his emotion. Finally, at the half of second time, he was got a red card from the referee caused by injuring Richard Shaw. But, Cantona looked not regret for his ill treatment. He walks out from the court to the room calmly. From the tribune, Crystal Palace’s spectators shout for him. But, there is one spectator that went to far. He was Matthew Simmons. Willfully, he goes down from several stairs to getting closer to Cantona. And then he chides Eric Cantona. Even he uses some racism words. And there was so many of bad words that he said.

Then, Cantona did not want to wait long time to reply a reaction. He jump and kick Simmons so hard. Cantona also hit Simmons by his hand. Cantona did not yet satisfy to attack him. And, the police arrest him soon.

The Cantona’s kick was causing a commotion in the entire of football world. Mass-media was got down the case at the time. Then, the people call the Cantona’s sensational kick as “kung fu kick”. Cantona reputed do a reaction out of the fittingness. There was so many fulmination that aimed to him. But, many people also support his reaction. Because, the people regard Cantona just defend his self.

People predict that Cantona’s career would be finished. Manchester United also punishes Cantona. He was not allowed to playing until the end of the season. FA and other legal institution also give reaction soon. The incident was an ordinary in football. Then people waiting for what will punishment that received by Cantona. In fact, Eric Cantona regard that was a commonplace. He was commenting it coolly.

Finally, Football Association give the punishment not allowed playing as long as nine month. It mean, Eric Cantona allowed playing with Manchester United on October 1995. In addition, he also must stand for trial. Luckily, Cantona got off easy. He must follow social work as long as five days. But, be that as it may, the coach Sir Alex Ferguson think that the punishment for Cantona too heavy.