Explainers

ERIC Cantona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to ever grace the field.But in spite of his glittering career, Cantona is probably best remembered for fly-kicking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons — but what led to the French football legend lashing out?
Eric Cantona attacking Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons on January 25, 1995Credit: AFP or licensors
Who is Eric Cantona?
Eric Daniel Pierre Cantona, born on May 24, 1966, in Marseille, France, is an actor, musician and former professional footballer.
During his stellar football career, which spanned over a decade between the years of 1983 and 1996, he played as a forward for Auxerre, Marseille, Nimes, Leeds United, and Manchester United — as well as enjoying loan spells with Martigues, Bordeaux and Montpellier.
When Manchester United paid just over £1million to sign Eric Cantona from Leeds in November 1992, it stunned football.
From languishing tenth, they lost just two more games and became champions for the first time since 1967.
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Cantona spent only five seasons at Old Trafford before his shock retirement in 1996, but inspired the Reds to four titles, two FA Cups and was voted the club’s greatest ever player by fans.
Why did Eric Cantona kick a fan?
During the 1994-95 season the Frenchman “kung fu-kicked” a Crystal Palace fan on January 25, 1995.
Having been sent off for a pull on Richard Shaw’s shirt, Cantona reacted poorly to Eagles fan Matthew Simmons’ provocative heckling.
Simmons charged 11 rows down to the pitch-side and allegedly barked: “F*** off back to France, you French motherf***er.”
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Retribution from Cantona was swift and unnecessarily violent, as he launched, studs-first, into Simmons.
Cantona was sentenced to two weeks in prison — although was later freed on bail and ordered to undergo 120 hours of community service — as well as being fined £20,000 and banned from first-team action for the rest of the season by the FA.
But what did the Frenchman have to say for himself?
Decades later everyone is still trying to figure it out: “When the seagulls follow the trawlers, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”
It took a while for the French forward to regain his form following the ban, but ultimately he played a key role in leading United to yet another league-cup double.
Of that astonishing flashpoint, Cantona says: “I’ve said before I should have kicked him harder but maybe tomorrow I’ll say something else.
“I cannot regret it. It was a great feeling. I learned from it — I think he (Simmons) learned too.
“Nine months was a long time out and I struggled for a time but thanks to [Alex] Ferguson we won the Double with a new generation.
“I was lucky and proud to play with two generations, with Mark Hughes and Paul Ince, then that great younger (Class of 92) generation.”
Where is Eric Cantona now?
Cantona has rocked the world once again after announcing the release of his debut album — ahead of his sell-out tour.
The 57-year-old announced his switch to the world of music in June 2023, and his EP I’ll Make My Own Heaven is set to be released on October 20, 2023.
It includes songs in English and French titled The Friends We Lost, Tu Me Diras, I’ll Make My Own Heaven and Je Veux.
The former forward will embark on a five-date tour in Manchester, London, and Dublin towards the end of October 2023.
Describing his love for music writing, Cantona said: “Writing is a way for me to exist, as only my existence can result in writing this way.
“Why start today, so many years later? Simply because I had lacked the time before.
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“During lockdown, I finally managed to give the guitar a serious go, and even though I’m still a poor guitarist, I felt confident enough to whip a few songs into shape.
“I’ll be starting in Manchester, because it’s a city that has stayed with me so much. For the football of course, but also the general atmosphere.” More

ENGLISH youngster Jude Bellingham has been tipped as a generational talent at the young age of 20 by talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy. His family is tight-knit with many believing it’s part of the reason why Jude will go on to be one of England’s greatest players. 
Denise and Mark Bellingham with son Jude at the Qatar World Cup 2022
Who is Jude Bellingham’s dad?
Jude’s character is said to have been moulded by his father – a former West Midlands Police Officer.
Mark Bellingham, now a licensed Fifa agent after passing the governing body’s required exams, has taken on the responsibility of guiding his son’s career.
Mark had a prolific non-league career playing for clubs such as Stourbridge, Leamington, Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove Rovers, and Halesowen Town.
According to Sportskeeda, Mark scored over 700 goals at semi-pro level in 900 games, with his 700th coming at the age of 40 for Midland League Division Two side Paget Rangers.
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While he played football, Mark worked for West Midlands Police as a sergeant.
Talking to the FA website in 2021 Jude shared: “We talk about footballing heroes, and my dad was like my first.
“When you go and watch him play every week in non-league, you know it’s not the Premier League or anything, but seeing the way he played and the atmosphere, it made me fall in love with football so he was probably my first hero”
Jude continued by saying: “Growing up, he’d always give me tips on what I could do and now it gets to a certain age and it sort of flips and that’s brilliant because we have that sort of relationship like father and son and then as I got older, like coach and player.”
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Who is Jude Bellingham’s mum?
Whilst on England duty at the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022, Jude let slip that his mother Denise, who works in human resources, still makes his bed.
He also continued by sharing: “The role my mum is playing is massive.
“I think at the minute it is probably the biggest role of anyone, even probably more than my coaches and managers, to be honest.”
Jude has always said that his mother Denise is the key to his success, with him calling her a “queen”.
In 2020 when Jude signed for the German side Borussia Dortmund his mum made the move with him and joined Jude in Germany to help manage his affairs as he settled in.
Jude has since moved from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid earlier this summer.
His £115million arrival made him the most expensive British player of all time and he has since been in impressive form for his new club.
He has scored 10 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions as well as providing three assists for his team-mates.
Does Jude Bellingham have any siblings?
Jude has a younger brother called Jobe.
Much like his older brother, Jobe is following in his elder sibling’s footsteps and rising through the ranks in the Championship.
Jobe completed a switch to Sunderland from Birmingham in July this year.
He is already a regular for the Black Cats, appearing in all 11 of their matches in the Championship, scoring twice and adding an assist.
Comparing his career to his dad’s, 17-year-old Jobe said: “If I get anywhere near that I’ll have had a great career. I’ll try my best!
“My mum, dad, brother, grandparents — they are the reason I’m here today, because of all the sacrifices they have made.”
Despite only being 17, Jobe played 22 times in the Championship last season.
He has also been capped at U16, U17 and U18 level for the Three Lions.
El Nacional reported that Real Madrid scouts were present to watch the younger Bellingham in action for England’s Under-19’s against Montenegro on October 11, 2023.
Increasing the possibility that he will one day play alongside his older brother Jude – two Bellinghams are always better than one.
Where did Jude Bellingham grow up?
Bellingham grew up in Hagley, a village near Stourbridge.
Back in the West Midlands, former neighbours, teachers and sports coaches remember him as a youngster always with his football.
Speaking to The Independent they shared: “They used to set up the goals, put the cones down and play day and night,
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“He was always with his brother. They were always together,” 
Jude’s former year 2 teacher, Suzanne Shackleton agreed by saying: “He was just a really lovely lad. Really genuine. Really personable. Extremely courteous and polite” More

RASMUS HOJLUND is one of the most promising young stars in football – and the talent runs in the family tree.The Danish icon signed for Manchester United in the summer which cost the Red Devils a whopping £72million.
Manchester United signed Rasmus Hojlund for £72millionCredit: Getty
And despite United’s inconsistent form, Hojlund has impressed in front of goal which includes a Champions League double against Galatasaray.
However, Rasmus is not the only Hojlund making noise across the industry as his twin brothers Emil and Oscar have begun to flourish.
SunSport takes a deep dive into who they are and what team they play for.
Who are Rasmus Hojlund’s twin brothers Emil and Oscar?
Born on January 4, 2005, Emil and Oscar are part of the FC Copenhagen youth setups – the former club of their big brother Rasmus.
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The pair have been progressing through the ranks since the age of 13 and have recently received contract extensions till 2024.
They play in different positions – Emil is a striker and Oscar plays in midfield.
Emil earned his first run out in senior football on March 10, 2022 when he came on as a late substitute in a 4-4 Conference League draw with PSV.
While Oscar made his debut in a Superliga July contest for a 2-1 win over Lyngby.
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Both Hojlund’s have represented Denmark on the international stage at under-17 and under-18 level.
Will Emil and Oscar Hojlund play against their brother Rasmus?
There is a possible scenario that all three Hojlund’s could be on the pitch at the same time when Manchester United face Copenhagen in the Champions League.
All three Hojlunds good be on the pitch at the same timeCredit: FCK.DK
The Red Devils host Copenhagen Tuesday, October 24 before travelling to Denmark for the reverse fixture on Wednesday, November 8.
United are currently rock bottom of Group A having lost both of their opening games.
Whereas Copenhagen’s away draw with Galatasaray sees them occupy third spot. More