14 DAY TRIAL // On Wednesday March 12, famous football player Eric Cantona, one of the stars of the Manchester United Football Club was arrested by Metropolitan Police in London in connection with an assault.
Cantona was taken into custody the same day and charged with assault after a lunchtime altercation in London's Primrose Hill area, according to the Telegraph.
At the moment, one day after the assault and subsequent arrest, the degree of the assault remains unclear, as is whether the victims sustained serious injuries, if he required hospitalization or if he plans of pressing charges.
The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement in which it says that “Police were called to Regents Park Road, NW1, at 12.55pm on Wednesday 12th March, following reports of an assault. Officers from Camden Borough attended and a man in his mid-40s was arrested on suspicion of common assault.”
The statement goes on to explain the measures taken “He was taken into custody and subsequently cautioned for common assault. The victim, a man, did not require medical assistance at the scene,” said the report.
The former Manchester striker rose is of French descent came transferred to United from Leeds in November 1992. He later went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the club and a favorite with the crowds at Old Trafford. His accolades include winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups before leaving the football career.
Even after retirement in May 1997 he remained in the public eye as an actor, starring in some famous titles such as “Elizabeth” and “Looking for Eric,” not to mention numerous French-speaking titles.
In January 1995, Cantona was convicted of assault of a Crystal Palace supporter by the name of Matthew Williams and banned for eight months by the Football Association. Initially, apart from the suspension and a hefty fine, Cantona was also sentenced to two weeks in prison.
Later on, the sentence would be overturned and transformed into 120 hours of community service. At the time, the footballer made a famous quote by saying “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.” This quote would become his famous trademark and follow him throughout the rest of his career.
The outcome of the current assault by the 47-year-old former football legend is determined by the decision from the victim to press charges.