Cantona
cautioned
for assault

The 47-year-old was held at lunchtime yesterday in leafy Primrose Hill in London, after he was seen drinking in The Queens pub on Regent’s Park Road.

Scotland Yard did not name the former Manchester United star, but confirmed police were called to Regent’s Park Road, NW1, at 12.55pm on Wednesday and arrested a man in his mid-40s who was subsequently cautioned for common assault.

Cantona’s agent in Paris refused to comment.

The ex-French international displayed his fiery temper when he infamously launched a kung-fu style kick at Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons after being dismissed in a Premiership match in 1995. Cantona was later banned for nine months from football worldwide and ordered to do community service .

A builder, who did not want to be named, said he had seen Cantona and he was sober and happy, chatting with friends. A barmaid and shop workers also denied seeing any disturbance.