Cantona, Patrice Evra and Other Times Players Attacked Fans After Nunez, Konate Incident vs Arsenal

• A Liverpool fan got the short end of things after an 'attack' by Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate
• The fan stormed the pitch to celebrate after the Merseysiders scored against Arsenal in the FA Cup
• Sports Brief takes a look at some other times players had confrontations with fans during a game

Darwin Nunez and Ibrahima Konate produced a comical moment when they lashed out and 'attacked' a Liverpool fan during their FA Cup match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on January 7.

A Trent Alexander-Arnold free kick had been turned in by the Gunners' Jakub Kiwior to break the deadlock, sparking celebrations from the travelling supporters.

A fan managed to get past the stewards and jumped onto the pitch to celebrate with the players - a decision he would surely regret now.

Video footage shows Nunez smacking the fan repeatedly on his head before Konate adds a few more slaps. The French defender then removes the fan's hat before tossing it to the crowd.

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It remains unknown whether the FA will review the incident and recommend punishment for the Liverpool duo. Such incidents, though not as comical as this, have happened in the past where players 'had enough' and confronted fans.

Let's get to it.

Times when players attacked fans

1. Eric Cantona vs Crystal Palace

A Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace in 1995 threatened to get out of hand after Eric Cantona was red-carded four minutes after the restart.

Cantona might have been one of the best strikers of his generation, but it is his temperament, odd interviews, and infamous kung-fu kick that he will be best remembered for.

A fan, identified as Matthew Simons by the Guardian, rushed to Cantona and hurled a few expletives at the French star. Cantona responded in kind with a kung-fu kick that saw him receive an eight-month ban.

2. Patrice Evra vs Marseille

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Evra took inspiration from his French compatriot and fellow Manchester United legend when he launched a kick of his own to a supporter of his own club, Marseille, before a Europa League game against Vitoria Guimares in 2018, as reported by the Mirror.

The full-back refused to apologise and was banned from European football, with his contract with the French giants getting ripped apart a few days later.

3. Sam Kerr vs Juventus

Sam Kerr is currently in the news for the devastating ACL injury she picked up in Morocco. But, when she is fit, the Chelsea Women's striker is a menace to defenders and pitch invaders alike.

In 2021, during a Champions League match at the Kingsmeadow, a pitch invader tried to get the attention of Blues captain, Magda Eriksson. Kerr, like the rest of the team, was frustrated as they were on the verge of picking up a goalless draw at home.

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The Australian star barged into the invader, sending him sprawling to the ground, much to the delight of other fans. The referee wasn't that amused, though and booked the striker.

4. Craig Bellamy vs Manchester United

Derbys are often closely contested and the Manchester derby in 2009 was no different. Manchester City striker, Craig Bellamy confronted a pitch invader and shoved him in the face.

The FA did not take any further action against Bellamy.

5. Kevin Prince-Boateng vs Pro Patria

This was a stark reminder that there is no room for racism in football. Boateng had had enough of racist chants during a friendly match in 2013, pitting AC Milan and fourth-tier side, Pro Patria.

The Ghanaian international kicked the ball in the direction of the fans, tore his shirt, and walked off the pitch. His teammates also walked out in unison, forcing the game to be abandoned after just 26 minutes.

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Longest bans in football history

As Sports Brief previously reported, there have been players in the past who were also subjected to lengthy bans, which negatively impacted their careers.

Diego Maradona, Eric Cantona, and Rio Ferdinand have all served lengthy bans for various reasons, including violence, failing drug tests, and overall indiscipline.