On January 25, 1995, at the London stadium of Selhurst Park, Eric Cantona, a figure of Manchester United, starred in an incident that would be marked in the history of football. During a match against Crystal Palace, Cantona reacted to an insult from a fan, identified as Matthew Simmons, and delivered an epic kick, being expelled from the match.
This historic event has been remembered and analyzed over the years. Cantona, known for his outstanding career in football and for his activism, received criticism and support for his reaction at that moment. Advocating for the Palestinian people and participating in the founding of the International Association of Professional Footballers, Cantona was recognized for his rebellious personality both on and off the pitch.
After the incident at Selhurst Park, Cantona served a 9-month suspension, completed 120 hours of community service, and paid a fine of 30 thousand dollars. Despite the repercussions and criticisms, Cantona declared: "Kicking a fascist is not something I relish every day; I regret not having kicked him harder."
Thirty years after the famous kick to Simmons, Eric Cantona remains a relevant figure in the world of football. His legacy as a player, activist, and controversial character has left an indelible mark on the history of this sport. Although the incident at Selhurst Park continues to be a topic of debate, Cantona is still remembered as an icon of rebellious and irreverent football.
