Manchester United were ready to sack Eric Cantona following his infamous kung-fu kick in 1995 at Selhurst Park. Or rather, Martin Edwards got this idea into his head when he met up with FA Officials to discuss Eric's 'attack'. I think it might be a case of people getting ideas into their heads but who the hell was going to go and tell Sir Alex ? As things turned out no one did and we all know what happened concerning the event anyway, he got a 9 month ban.
In his book, 'FA Confidential', former FA chief executive David Davies says former United chairman Martin Edwards was prepared to ban Cantona for life after the incident at Selhurst Park. He wrote: "Tracing Martin to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, I found United's chairman talking tough. `We're thinking of an indefinite suspension for Eric,' Martin said. `Banning Eric altogether.' "
How Ferguson would have reacted to that will never be known, but Davies suggests the United manager played a big part in convincing his chairman to be more lenient with the club's prize asset at the time.
"Martin realised the seriousness of Eric's conduct but, when he returned to Manchester, he softened his stance," said Davies. "Eric will be banned until the end of the season," Martin announced. "Not indefinite. Not altogether."
A wise choice I feel. I can't see Martin Edwards being too keen on being on the receiving end of a blast from Fergie !! Imagine what Manchester United fans would have missed too. In my opinion he is the greatest player ever to pull on a United shirt since the days of the Busby Babes, there's no question about that !
In his book, 'FA Confidential', former FA chief executive David Davies says former United chairman Martin Edwards was prepared to ban Cantona for life after the incident at Selhurst Park. He wrote: "Tracing Martin to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, I found United's chairman talking tough. `We're thinking of an indefinite suspension for Eric,' Martin said. `Banning Eric altogether.' "
How Ferguson would have reacted to that will never be known, but Davies suggests the United manager played a big part in convincing his chairman to be more lenient with the club's prize asset at the time.
"Martin realised the seriousness of Eric's conduct but, when he returned to Manchester, he softened his stance," said Davies. "Eric will be banned until the end of the season," Martin announced. "Not indefinite. Not altogether."
A wise choice I feel. I can't see Martin Edwards being too keen on being on the receiving end of a blast from Fergie !! Imagine what Manchester United fans would have missed too. In my opinion he is the greatest player ever to pull on a United shirt since the days of the Busby Babes, there's no question about that !
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Those videos send shivers down my spine. So many great memories of the genius that is Eric Cantona.
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