Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes former teammate Eric Cantona won the approval of fans across the world with his kung-fu attack on one Crystal Palace supporter.
Neville recalled the night 16 years ago when Cantona floored Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons with a kung-fu kick.
The Frenchman was banned for nine months.
But Neville said: "If you asked 100 per cent of football fans - and not just United fans - what they now think about that incident they probably respect Eric for doing what he did.
"Supporters think, 'well yeah, he was having a go, he was criticising', and I believe Eric now gets a level of respect for reacting like he did.
"It was all about passion and emotion. Alright, you can't condone a player going into the stands and doing what Eric did.
"But the reality is that's real life. That's what football is. You're going to get that forever more."
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