[Closed] Cantona

Always liked a scrap...

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Just because someone comes worst off in an exchange of fisticuffs, doesn't make them a victim.

A passionate character. I can only imagine he was victim of a barrage of appauling insults from a drunken yob or two.

Personally, I prefer the good ol' days of sorting out nobbers with a good right hander to the teef.

I'm sure he was heckled and gave his heckler all he deserved, after all these days he grows hops in Alsace...

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He's a bloody legend!

He always refused to apologise for his Kung fu kick on the gobby nobhead, on the basis that he deserved it, so why should he. He also maintained he'd do exactly the same thing again, in the same situation, too. Looks like he was true to his word then 😀

As has been said, a legend. A man's man who isn't like the modern day hand wringing streaks of piss in the media that pass as men these days.

If someone got in a scrap with him and got pasted, that's not being a 'victim' - they just lost a fight.

One of the best players I have ever seen in a Manchester United shirt - a true legend - and I'll forgive anything he has done or may ever do on or off a football pitch.

I'm not even a football fan or follower, but having seen clips of him at his imperious best I thought "now there is a reason to follow football"

My wife met him at an art gallery in Lyon while she was visiting a friend who worked there & said he had that aura of a talented man but was utterly charming with it.
I think she was quite smitten 😮

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He scored the above goal against Liverpool and after that he'd have to be a prime suspect in Operation Yewtree before I'd struggle to forgive him any misdemeanour.

I hate Man Utd.

However, I do admire him. The bloke he kung fu kicked deserved it IMO.

Sounds like some gobshite got a slap for being rude. Fair enough.

Come on, apparently all the guy at Palace said was 'Off you go Mr Cantona it's an early bath for you."
Totally plausible.

Let's have some more of King Eric

Just can't be bothered with today's spoilt overpaid footballers.
Never been a fan of Man Utd but as has been said, he was a true legend.
If only there was as much passion in the game these days.

Still think this was his best goal (third goal in the piece)

No doubt the bloke (victim) asked for it so King Eric duly obliged. Good on him.

A real character and a very special footballer. Probably Fergies best ever buy, £2m was it ?

Ronaldo was his best?

same with me, avid utd hater, in fact hate them more than i actually like a team, which cant be healthy 🙂

but got a lot of time and respect for cantona. great player and character and you just couldnt see him rolling about on the floor trying to get a penalty like they do these days. hed just give someone 'the stare' if they did it to him, or worse. top bloke.

The antidote to todays douchebag
http://m.vice.com/en_uk/read/anatomy-of-a-new-modern-douchebag

I'm feeling heartily warmed by the outpouring of respect for Cantona this morning, even from the Utd hayters.

Bravo STW.

My best Cantona experience, walking up the steps from the Barcelona underground into the main square - May 1999 - A chorus of 'ooh aah Cantona' starts behind me deep underground and the chant spreads ahead of me as I make my ascent, right out into the square where thousands of reds are literally partying in the street, swinging off lamposts - continuing the chorus. Makes the hairs on my neck stand up thinking about it.

The fact the Utd fans still sing Cantona chants with such gusto, so many years after he retired goes to show how much he is idolised up there.

The modern footballer is not fit to tie his laces. Vive le God!

And he had dibs with Lesley Ash.

(Allegedly).

8)

Ummmm.... where in the story does it mention anything about him being provoked etc?

This is the same kind of myopia that Liverpool fans get accused of having over Suarez. 😉

He was a great footballer but also comes across a bit of a pretentious tit (with a history of violence).

(with a history of violence).

Booting that piece of white trash in the chest was violent yes. However, I think he got what was coming. Besides as it turned out the "fan" had convictions for football violence.

No mention of provocation but I would guess it's very likely.

 

Indeed. It was probably a Liverpool fan he chinned.

Or even better, Suarez.

cannot stand football,but he does come across as a decent guy.

^^^ yup

Smart guy too.

I think when you can't even discuss Cantona chinning a photographer without getting yourself into a froth about Liverpool, you need to be taking a look at yourself.

without getting yourself into a froth about Liverpool, you need to be taking a look at yourself.

Can't be helped when a character like Suarez has done so much to set himself up as a figure of hate. Add that to Stevie Me, particularly in reference to the defence of his bar room fisticuffs and it's easy why fans, United or otherwise, have it in for them.

Anyone mentioning Suarez in the same sentence as Cantona deserves a slap off the bearded hop-grower themselves 😀

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If you didn't love Cantona already, then watch Looking for Eric. Got to admire someone who's so revered, who'll then royally take the piss out of themselves, and send up their own iconic status

[b]I AM NOT A MAN! I AM CANTONA!!!![/b] 😆

I agree - Suarez is a much better footballer than Cantona ever was. 😉

Cantona - definitely not being pretentious:

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It is pretty cretinous of people like space monkey, slimjim, gogg etc to just assume what must have happened and offer a pat on the back - based on their mythologised image of someone who used to be good at kicking a ball around.

I think Suarez is probably an arsehole if it helps - but then I don't feel the need to hero-worship anyone and try to fit facts into the narrative I've already invented.

Can't be helped

I think you know it can. You can only be helped when you want it though.

I think you know it can.

Of course it can. I was speaking from a broader sense.

If you didn't love Cantona already, then watch Looking for Eric.

TBH, I really wanted to like it (being a Cantona admirer and lifelong United fan etc), but I thought it was average at best, with a pretty shoddy ending. Just my tuppence of course.

A classic case of the sh1t hitting the fan

If there's anything that we can learn from the likes of Cantona, Suarez, and plenty others etc is that one-eyed football supporters will forgive anything once the flawed character starts banging in goals and winning them games.

I was speaking from a broader sense.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean there. Perhaps you'd clarify?

spacemonkey - did you hear any of the interviews at the time with Cantona and Ken Loach? They were inspired. They bounced off each other like a quality comedy double-act. Bloody brilliant!

Bravissimo - I'd be prepared to forgive the racist cannibal if he'd STOP banging goals in 😀

If there's anything that we can learn from the likes of Cantona, Suarez, and plenty others etc is that one-eyed football supporters will forgive anything once the flawed character starts banging in goals and winning them games.

i'd agree with you except for that you are wrong.

Dig deep enough and all of our idols are flawed.
I'd rather idolise a complex game/history changing character that takes a violent karate dislike to vitriol spurting extreme nasty type football 'fans', than 99.9% of our current celebrity type cultural leaders.

In fact, Cantona could have been a rubbish player of Carlton Palmer'esque skill levels, and I would still have mondo respect for him and his sense of justice.

In fact, Cantona could have been a rubbish player of Carlton Palmer'esque skill levels, and I would still have mondo respect for him and his sense of justice.

You'd never even have heard of him if that was the case.

Dig deep enough and all of our idols are flawed.
I'd rather idolise a game changing complex character that takes a violent karate dislike to vitriol spurting extreme nasty type football 'fans', than 99.9% of our current celebrity type cultural leaders.

You know, I think it's just me today because I can't understand a lot of what people are saying on this thread. That's the second one now.

In fact, Cantona could have been a rubbish player of Carlton Palmer'esque skill levels, and I would still have mondo respect for him and his sense of justice.

Bollocks. You're completely deluded.

Also, I was always taught: two wrongs don't make a right, and 'sticks and stones may break my bones.....'

Plus, you have no idea what happened in this latest case an whether violence was justified - you've just assumed what must have happened to fit in with your hero-worship fantasies.

Imagine what you'd be saying if Suarez had been arrested.

Love it how people are banging on about Suarez, Suarez could be the best player in the world but he still couldn't lace Cantonas boots.

You're missing the point grum. Well… maybe you're not, but you're determined to turn this into another we're-so-persecuted, poor us, its sooooo not fair, scouse winge-fest. No matter how many goals he scores, Suarez is still a nasty, mercenary, cheating little racist ****, who rightfully commends no respect from anybody other than only the most terminally deluded idiot.

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Cantona is the polar opposite. As this thread shows, he's generally well regarded by the majority for being everything Suarez isn't. Did that guy Cantona kung fu kicked deserve it? Yes, absolutely

Did Patrice Evra deserve the racist abuse Suarez hurled at him? Did Branislav Ivanovic deserve biting?

Doesn't really work as a comparison, does it?

Amen binners.

You'd never even have heard of him if that was the case

I can't understand a lot of what people are saying on this thread

Bollocks. You're completely deluded.

Also, I was always taught: two wrongs don't make a right, and 'sticks and stones may break my bones...

As this thread shows, he's generally well regarded by the majority for being everything Suarez isn't. Did that guy Cantona kung fu kicked deserve it? Yes, absolutely

Cantona was a flat-track bully who largely failed internationally and in European club competition, and was washed up by the age of 30. The poor lamb was so sensitive that when someone called him a naughty word, he responded by kicking and punching him.

Thats certainly another perspective.

Although unfotunately it also makes me a bully, as If I had received the same abuse he did that infamous day, I very much doubt I would have been able to hold back myself.

Except I wouldnt have been cool enough to go for the kung-fu approach

Although it also makes me a bully. If I had received the abuse he did that infamous day, I very much doubt I would have been able to hold back myself.

A man in the crowed told him to eff off. Just like every other player gets told, every week. The only remarkable thing about the incident was Cantona's complete lack of professionalism.

Not true.

I recommend researching the occasion, and reading the actual filth that the victim ran down several long flights of steps to shout at him.

I agree, Cantona displayed a lack of professionalism. However, again, if I had been subject to the same, regarding my family etc, and in a high pressure environment, I would probably have done the same.

Like others have said, I think the Palace chap had it coming.

You're missing the point grum. Well… maybe you're not, but you're determined to turn this into another we're-so-persecuted, poor us, its sooooo not fair, scouse winge-fest. No matter how many goals he scores, Suarez is still a nasty, mercenary, cheating little racist ****, who rightfully commends no respect from anybody other than only the most terminally deluded idiot.

You've missed the point. Also the bit where I said that Suarez is probably (almost certainly) an arsehole.

Biting and racism isn't justified - nor is launching yourself into someone's chest with a set of studs. The difference is I'm not the one trying to justify violence.

All I'm saying is - if this incident happened with someone you don't spaff over - the response would be completely different. If you want to make up a story about what happened then applaud Cantona for it I guess that's up to you.

I recommend researching the occasion, and reading the actual filth that the victim ran down several long flights of steps to shout at him.

I have, thanks. It did not justify assault, which is why he was convicted.

I agree, Cantona displayed a lack of professionalism. However, again, if I had been subject to the same, regarding my family etc, and in a high pressure environment, I would probably have done the same.

I've heard plenty of vitriolic abuse dished out at football matches over the years. I've never seen a player react like Cantona did. Let's face it, his history of repeated sendings off, spitting at fans etc do show that he wasn't able to control his temper, which cost him dearly.

Well arent you a cool cucumber.

Hardly told him to 'eff off though, did he?

Biting and racism isn't justified - nor is launching yourself into someone's chest with a set of studs.

All I'm saying is - if this incident happened with someone you don't spaff over - the response would be completely different. If you want to make up a story about what happened then applaud Cantona for it I guess that's up to you.

Precisely. Many football supporters will justify anything if the player is "one of theirs".

It does seem that precociously talented and iconic French footballers really don't like people saying things about their mums…

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Well arent you a cool cucumber.

Hardly told him to 'eff off though, did he?

Like most people, I'm better at controlling my temper than Cantona.

I know what (extremely unpleasant things) were said - you could even see it pretty clearly on the video footage IIRC. As grum notes, it did not justify launching his studs into the guy's chest. The court thought so too.

Yes, the law came down on him. Probably rightly so.

Still, i'd have punched the fella. We are all wired differently I suppose.

Im comfortable to see antisocialism rewarded by antisocialism in these cases.

This world needs more of the likes of Cantona IMO.

Sick of seeing fapwritedblenders whine like girls.

Whining like girls, you say?

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😆

Did Patrice Evra deserve the racist abuse Suarez hurled at him?

It's so unlike you to exaggerate for effect binbins. You hardly ever do it, especially when riled up about Liverpool. 🙂

Still, i'd have punched the fella. We are all wired differently I suppose.

Thankfully, yes we are. It'd be a pretty shit world if we all had such short fuses.

Hardly riled Bravissimo. Just making the point that comparisons between Suarez and Cantona are utterly ridiculous. I'm reminded of the quote Brian blessed boomed out to Blackadder "You, compared to your brother Harrry, are as excrement compared to cream" 😀

Anyway… looking forward to Sunday, and doubtless plenty more of this type of thing….

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I wish we had someone like Cantona at the moment 🙁

Anyway… looking forward to Sunday, and doubtless plenty more of this type of thing….

Wow...you really are wound up today binbins. 😆 Maybe a wash out of all that sand in your fanny later?

Tell me, do you think Suarez has actually done a good job of turning things around this season? Good disciplinary record) I can only remember one yellow card in the Merseyside derby, but there may have been more since). Lots of assists. No "hurling of racist abuse". No biting. I haven't checked the stats lately, but at one stage early on, he was better than the whole Utd team wasn't he?

Just making the point that comparisons between Suarez and Cantona are utterly ridiculous.

As far as I can remember, it was frothing Utd fans that couldn't discuss the subject without mentioning Suarez or the hope that the photographer that papped Cantona might have been a Liverpool fan...there's a surprise, eh?

I wish we had someone like Cantona at the moment

You need someone who runs rings around defences, scores and makes unselfish assists, wins penalties, takes free kicks...I can't think of anyone around like that at the moment.

Is that what we now class as 'turning things around'? To be able to say "well… he hasn't bitten anyone for a while, has he?" 😆

he was better than the whole Utd team wasn't he?

Always was an awesome player and he seems to have sorted his on field issues out though he did recently say the FA were wrong re Evra so he may have a little further to go.

They have done very well under Rogers this year and I would assume will get in the CL this season

Gerard has been good in the holding role as well

if they had a defence [ the attack must be the best in the league currently] they could win the league but he does seem to have sorted out consistency which was their big problem.

Cantona was very good when scoring against the sheffield Wednesday's and standing on the pitch pretending he was a roman emperor ,but he never seemed to do anything on the international/European stage that I can remember and when things got a little tough all the toys came out of the pram.

"well… he hasn't bitten anyone for a while, has he?"

You're so wound up, you're missing the humour. Would you agree he has turned things around though?

Steady on I am pretty sure our best 11 would beat him on his own

🙂

I think my stat might have been from ten games in. I'm sure it's evened itself out somewhat by now.

Cantona was very good when scoring against the sheffield Wednesday's and standing on the pitch pretending he was a roman emperor

Yeah… its not like he won much, is it? Just managed to scuff the odd lucky shot against 'the sheffield Wednesday's' 🙄

His international career (or lack of it) was down to clashes of personality, rather than lack of ability. A lot of which was his own fault. The French seem to have a more sensible and unsentimental approach to choosing squads. The opposite of Englands managers endlessly putting up with complete bell ends like Mr J Terry.

His international career (or lack of it) was down to clashes of personality, rather than lack of ability. A lot of which was his own fault.

His international career was ended because of the kung-fu kick. And Zidane being better.

It's like a "Binbins' Top Ten Players I Hate" thread now. 🙂

I was about to say the same thing Binners, French footballers and family....

I suppose supporters of mid-table sides have to froth over their ex-players getting arrested and make up heroic fantasies about it - they've got nothing else to get excited about.

Hardly riled Bravissimo. Just making the point that comparisons between Suarez and Cantona are utterly ridiculous.

Yes - because you won't hear any Liverpool supporter going on about how cool Suarez is for biting people - whereas there's no shortage of Man U supporters happy to spaff over Cantona kicking someone in the chest (and the story they've invented about his latest arrest).

Yes - because you won't hear any Liverpool supporter going on about how cool Suarez is for biting people

True. Then theres the racism thing. How could you defend his behaviour in that situation?. Maybe get some t shirts printed? 😆

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I suppose supporters of mid-table sides have to froth over their ex-players getting arrested and make up heroic fantasies about it - they've got nothing else to get excited about.

I am not getting excited about your trolls as they are as blunt as our attacking play.

Football really brings the best out in the hand wringers eh

I think he's a tit, but probably as I was there at selhurst park in the palace crowd on kung fu night. He'd been winding the crowd up all night, from what I remember.

The bloke he kicked, Matthew Simmons was a tit too, but there is no excuse for a PROFESSIONAL player to allow themselves to get so wound up by the crowd.

I have never understood the view of fayns that they can sing and do as they please, some harsh harsh stuff and the Professional has to just stand there and take it. It the main reason no one has ever come out as gay tbh.

I am not defending what he did that night mind but if you want to hurl abuse at folk sooner or later someone will hit you.

He'd been winding the crowd up all night, from what I remember.

Winding them up? How? By actually being quite good at football? 🙄

I don't see the issue with Cantona giving someone a slap.

This is a complete non-story. Some men had a fight, one man lost to the better fighter. It's only because Cantona is famous that it has even been reported.

If the person who got a slap provoked him and so ended up getting a kicking, they deserved it.

The central point that most of you seem to be missing, is that none of you actually know what happened - other than that Cantona got arrested for assault. You've all made up lots of other stuff based on your idealised notion of what you imagine him to be like.

If he'd hit his wife/girlfriend would you all be saying 'ah well bet she deserved it for winding him up'?

It's totally ridiculous.

Football really brings the best out in the hand wringers eh

Just a bit of bants innit.

would you all be saying 'ah well bet she deserved it for winding him up

Sadly, I do believe some of them would, yes.

never mind all the pro/anti liverpool/utd stuff, it can be put quite simply, even coming from a utd hater.

cantona was/is cool. cool is hard to define, you either have it or you dont. cantona has it, suarez never will. poles apart in the 'cool' stakes.

thats cleared it all up now. i thank you 😀

cantona was/is cool

His two 1994 FA Cup penalties were the epitomy of cool.