FOOTBALL commentators have been complaining for decades about declining standards of sportsmanship and rising levels of cynicism and misdirected aggression. Last week, however, in attacking a spectator, Manchester United player Eric Cantona crossed a line that had been considered inviolable.
If young people now seek to emulate their idol by expressing their joie de vivre with flying kicks, there is no reason to believe the world will be a safer, or more generous place. Two young children were directly behind the fan Cantona attacked. It is regrettable that, in the heat of the moment, the player did not consider them, or the impact of his violence on young TV viewers around the world.
In British soccer, while other players may be fair game, referees and spectators have, until now, been off limits to players intent on venting their frustration in a violent way. There appears little doubt Cantona was provoked by the fan who incurred his wrath. The man had apparently charged to the front of the stand to hurl obscenities and abuse at Cantona, whose temperament is known to be fiery. However, if verbal abuse by fans was considered sufficient justification for attacking them, there would be carnage at soccer grounds around the world every week.
Professional footballers are highly paid to play a game that exposes them to physical injury and verbal abuse. If a player cannot handle the pressures of the game, he should get out. Cantona certainly lives life with a passion, but his reputation as a pugilist now eclipses his brilliance as a creative player.
Manchester United has banned Cantona for the rest of the season and fined him, a relatively harsh penalty by the standards of English soccer, perhaps reflecting public outrage. However, the penalty is not harsh enough. FIFA, international football's governing body, should expand the ban on Cantona worldwide and extend its duration. If Cantona is unable to play again, his performance last week suggests kung fu star Jackie Chan might be able to use his undoubted talents. However, martial arts require discipline and self-control, and Cantona might not be suitable.