Soccer Blemished

Eric Cantona - whose attack on a fan has been replayed on television throughout the world - has, in the words of the top British soccer official, left a stain on the game.

The incident also has left the 28-year-old striker on the outside looking in for the remainder of the season. The rowdy fan he attacked was banned from the stadium the incident occurred in.

Manchester United suspended and fined the French striker, and France dropped him from the national team for his actions two days earlier.

Cantona - last season’s player of the year in England - jumped into the stands at Crystal Palace and aimed a two-footed kick at a fan who had been taunting him. Cantona then punched the fan before being restrained by officials and teammates.