October 1 – Cantona’s Back | On This Football Day

October 1 – Cantona’s Back

ERIC Cantona once said: “My best moment? I have alot of good moments but the one I prefer is when I kicked the hooligan.”

His famous kung-fu kick at Selhurst Park in January 1995 is one of the most infamous football moments in the past 20 years, made all the more shocking by the fact that it was Cantona, the swaggering continental genius who momentarily lost his head that day.

In the aftermath of the incident the press and politicians were falling over themselves to suggest ever-more stern punishments for Cantona. Some wanted him banned for life, or at the very least for Manchester United to sack him. He was even given a prison sentence at first, although this was later reduced to community service.

Alex Ferguson had no intention of sacking his most inspirational player and, while the world bayed for Cantona’s blood, Fergie kept his arm around Cantona and plotted for his return.

Cantona was eventually given a nine month ban, and it was today in 1995 that the Frenchman finally returned to the Manchester United first team, and as providence would have it, Liverpool provided the opposition in front of the Sky cameras.

With Old Trafford undergoing the redevelopment that has made it the biggest club ground in England, just 35,000 expectant souls crammed into the ground to see the match.

The theatre of dreams had it’s impressario back and Cantona did not disappoint. With just 69 seconds on the clock Cantona had already created a goal for Nicky Butt as United took an early lead, before Robbie Fowler scored for Liverpool to send the sides in level at the break.

The visitors were threatening to ruin King Eric’s return to his stage and things got worse for United in the second half when Fowler struck again to give Liverpool the lead over their rivals. 2-1 down, but Cantona wasn’t finished yet.

Having made ground through the middle of the park he sent a through ball that looked to have payed Giggs in on goal. Jamie Redknapp brought the Welshman down and referee David Elleray pointed to the spot.

There was only one man who was going to take the kick, and shrugging his nine-month exile from the game off with nonchalance, Cantona buried the ball to level the game and announce his come-back with aplomb.

The Frenchman went on to play a crucial role in United overhauling Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle side to win the title in 1996. In the same he proved his ban had not dulled his talents when he was voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association. He also scored the winning goal in the FA cup final against Liverpool to give United the double for the second time in three seasons.

In the absence of any footage of Cantona’s penalty in his first match back, we’ll leave you with this clip of him again scoring against Liverpool in the 1996 Cup Final at Wembley.

More tomorrow folks, and here’s what we had to say on this day last year if you can’t wait.