Twenty five years have passed and thousands of words have been written since Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan, which earned the Frenchman a nine-month ban.
What has not previously been reported is that matters could have been much worse for Cantona had it not been for the presence of a closet Manchester United supporter on the disciplinary panel that dealt with him.
It turns out that Ian Stott, the former Oldham Athletic chairman whose funeral takes place this week, had been a season-ticket holder at Old Trafford before overseeing the Latics’ greatest era alongside manager Joe Royle.
Twenty five years have passed since Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan
Stott’s son Robert told Sports Agenda: ‘Sir Alex Ferguson recounted the disciplinary hearing and mocked my father in his book for asking if Cantona practised karate.
‘The nuance of the question and implications sailed completely over Fergie’s head, as the answer was “no” and he was able to prove that karate was not a lethal weapon.
‘There had been calls for a life ban but Cantona ended up with what, in effect, was seven months given the summer break. It would have been longer had it not been for father!’
Stott, who chaired a number of committees and was a popular and influential figure in the game in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away earlier this month at the age of 86.
Former Oldham Athletic chairman Ian Stott had been a season-ticket holder at Old Trafford
Muzzled Sky give Lampard an easy ride
Those who read last Monday’s Sportsmail story revealing that the Premier League was blocking questions from Sky Sports and BT Sport on the resumption of the season or the impact of the suspension on players did not have long to wait to see evidence.
That morning, Sky spoke to Frank Lampard on their new ‘Live: The Football Show’ but failed to ask quiz the Chelsea manager on those issues. There was also no mention of the story when the same show went through that day’s newspaper. Funny, that.
Sky Sports spoke to Chelsea boss Frank Lampard on their new ‘Live: The Football Show’
Burnley error after tragic death of Hunter
The death of Norman Hunter last week was tragic news. While many have rightly mentioned that the Leeds man’s infamous ‘bites yer legs’ nickname did a disservice to his skills as a fine, ball-playing centre half, it would be folly to argue that he did not know how to handle himself.
As football paid tribute, Burnley tweeted a picture of Hunter in action against the Clarets. A number of supporters of the Lancashire side were quick to ask if the club could not find a more appropriate picture — given that the one chosen also featured Burnley forward Frank Casper, who claims his career was ended by the stray boot of Hunter during a clash at Elland Road.
Burnley posted this picture on Twitter of Norman Hunter in action against Frank Casper
PFA under microscope as pay row rumbles on
The independent review of the Professional Footballers’ Association is being stepped up despite the union’s crucial role in negotiations between players and clubs over proposed wage cuts and deferrals.
Sport Resolutions, the arbitration service tasked with conducting the inquiry, have arranged a conference call this week with representatives of the Rugby Players’ Association and the Professional Cricketers’ Association to gain an insight into how their governance and practices compare with those of the PFA.
Sport Resolutions were appointed to review all aspects of the PFA’s governance, management and decision-making in February, but only published their terms of reference last month. It is unclear when the process will be concluded.
The independent review of the Professional Footballers’ Association is being stepped up
Tierney is still a Hoops fan
Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is yet to win over the Emirates faithful as his first season at the club has been ravaged by injury.
He has no such issues with supporters of former club Celtic and his hero status with the green half of Glasgow was cemented last week when he trolled Old Firm rivals Rangers on social media.
Rangers tweeted followers asking for their best pictures of themselves, family and friends at Ibrox. Tierney responded swiftly with a snap of himself and his Celtic team-mates celebrating a victory on enemy turf.
Kieran Tierney cheekily posted this Celtic picture in response to Rangers asking fans for their best pictures at Ibrox
Kyle Walker seeks advice
It has not been the best of lockdowns for Kyle Walker.
The Manchester City defender was the subject of a club investigation after he held a party at his home with two escorts.
That story led to another which claimed unimpressed England manager Gareth Southgate had no intention of picking Walker for the Three Lions again.
Sources have disclosed that the 29-year-old has now turned to former journalist Neil Ashton in an attempt to improve his image. PR adviser Ashton, formerly of this parish, counts Manchester United as his biggest client and has now broadened his portfolio across the city.
Kyle Walker was the subject of an investigation after he held a party at his home with escorts
Premier League at war with clubs
The Premier League have been keen to ensure they are not accused of seeking preferential treatment during the pandemic. They have often stated that football will only return when the Government deems it safe.
Some clubs, however, believe that for there to be any hope of finishing the season, football must be in the first group of businesses permitted to return to work — and that the PL should be lobbying to ensure this is the case.
World Cup bid takes a backseat
The joint UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 World Cup would appear to be on the backburner because of the coronavirus crisis.
Rob Sullivan, the FA’s international and corporate affairs director who was a key figure in the Government-backed proposal, has moved to the Football Foundation as interim chief executive.
The joint UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 World Cup would appear to be on the backburner
Sullivan joins former FA chief executive Martin Glenn at the charity, which champions access to quality football facilities for all across the country.
Among the other countries to have expressed interest in being 2030 World Cup hosts are China and Spain.
Contributors: Matt Hughes and Kieran Gill
SPORTS AGENDA: Secret Manchester United fan saved Eric Cantona from a life ban for his kung-fu kick - Daily Mail
0 Comments: