Eagles fan karate kicked by Cantona in court over assault allegations (From Your Local Guardian)

Eagles fan karate kicked by Cantona in court over assault allegations

8:40am Sunday 6th February 2011 in Top Stories By Kirsty Whalley

An Eagles fan who was famously karate kicked by French striker Eric Cantona, has been charged with assault at a children's football match.

Matthew Simmons, 36, from Thornton Heath appeared in Kingston Crown Court on Friday and denied allegations of assault.

He is alleged to have become involved in a fight while watching his 13-year-old son play a match in August last year.

Mr Simmons was famously attacked by Cantona in January 1995 after he was sent off the pitch during a Manchester United vs Crystal Palace match at Selhurst Park.

The striker leapt over an advertising board to kick the football fan, a bricklayer, in the chest then punch him.

Cantona, who is now an actor and manager of the French beach football team, was suspended for nine months and ordered to serve 120 hours of community service.