Football Classic: Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick that stunned the world

Twenty five years on, the kung-fu kick former Man Utd striker Cantona launched at Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons, moments after being sent off at Selhurst Park, still resonates as one of sport's most extraordinary events, even by the standards of football's melodramas.

This is arguably the most shocking episode in Premier League history.

The Frenchman was already an icon at Old Trafford after inspiring them to successive league titles, the first ending a barren run of 26 years, after his arrival from Leeds in November 1992. This retaliatory act of violence, which he never attempted to defend, merely added to his legend.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister: "Eric had a fuse on him. There is no doubt about that. Ultimately he exploded…"

Former United director and solicitor Maurice Watkins: "People have said this is the most famous common assault case in the history of the English legal system."