United fans set for Cantona mask face-off

Manchester United fans are preparing to defy Crystal Palace's ban on wearing Eric Cantona masks on Saturday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his kung fu assault on a fan.

United fanzine Red Issue has designated March 5 as 'Cantona Day' and called on travelling supporters to dig out their old Cantona masks despite the ban.

Palace's stadium manager Kevin Corner has said anyone wearing such a mask will be refused entry and those who don them inside Selhurst Park "will be immediately ejected on safety grounds".
One Red Issue contributor warned that many United fans would ignore the order.
He said: "It is an absolute joke. It is not against the law so who are they to say what we can and cannot do.
"It is typical of football in the modern day where the authorities and safety officers give spurious reasons for ruining the enjoyment of fans. United themselves can be as bad.
"I will be wearing a mask and many other United fans will be as well."
The contributor insisted the Cantona Day was not intended to provoke rival fans at Selhurst Park.
He added: "Eric Cantona will be remembered as a great Manchester United player but the one thing no other players has done is what he did at Selhurst Park 10 years ago. It set him apart and showed he was different.
"It is not meant to be provocative or to taunt the Palace fans - there's no rivalry there, Crystal Palace away is a non-event.
"It is just to bring a bit of colour, atmosphere and enjoyment to the match."