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The Way Sir Alex Ferguson Confronted Eric Cantona After 'Kung-Fu Kick' Sums Him Up

The Way Sir Alex Ferguson Confronted Eric Cantona After 'Kung-Fu Kick' Sums Him Up

On the Manchester United legend's 54th birthday it's worth taking a look back at one of the Premier League's most shocking moments.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

25 years ago at Selhurst Park, Eric Cantona infamously kicked a Crystal Palace supporter who was hurling abuse his way, after being sent off.

And one of his teammates on that night, Lee Sharpe, has recalled the scene in the dressing room following the 1-1 draw.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Even though he had stepped out of line, Sir Alex Ferguson didn't give his talisman the hairdryer treatment.

Instead he went after the likes of Sharpe himself, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Gary Pallister.

"There's benches in the middle of the room with shirts and balls to be signed," Sharpe said, via Goal.

"Cups of tea and plates of sandwiches. They're sent fucking flying everywhere.

"We're getting scalded and getting egg sandwiches down the back of our necks. We look at each other, thinking, 'Fucking hell, Cantona is getting it here!'

"And then he starts, the manager. Fucking Pallister, you can't head anything, you can't tackle. Incey, where the fuck have you been? Sharpey, my grandmother runs f**king faster than you! ... You're all a f**king disgrace.

"Nine o'clock, tomorrow morning, I'm going to run your fucking balls off in training. F**king shocking. And Eric... you can't go round doing things like that son'."

Cantona was subsequently banned for nine months, and United lost out on the title to Blackburn Rovers on the final day, despite Rovers losing to Liverpool.

The Frenchman made his return in triumphant fashion the following season by scoring a penalty against Liverpool at Old Trafford and earning a draw against their rivals.

He was only actually a United player for five seasons and retired from the game at the age of 30, yet he's still absolutely adored by the red half of Manchester, having scored 80 goals for the club, producing endless amounts of individual brilliance, as well as lifting four Premier League titles.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Blackburn Rovers, Football News, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Eric Cantona, Crystal Palace