A FORMER Manchester United star has revealed how he broke a supporter’s nose days before scoring in United’s 1977 FA Cup final victory.
His goal denied Liverpool from winning a historic treble in 1977, with The Reds having already had the league wrapped up.
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They then went on to win the European Cup that year, so it was just as well United denied them the privilege.
Stuart Pearson, 74, was known as ‘Pancho’ during his playing days due to his forthright attitude, which was forged by his three years working for the electricity board before turning pro at Hull City.
He revealed in an interview with the Mail that it was common to be climbing poles more than 150 foot high during his teen years, so football always felt like a doddle when compared to that.
He had also spent some time as a junior boxer, and would celebrate goal with a raised clinched fist in reference to his fighting days.
In the clip of his goal in ’77, you can see his hand is bandaged.
He explained why to the Daily Mail, saying: “I’d had a bit of a do with a supporter earlier in the week.
“We’d gone out for a few drinks the Tuesday before Wembley and some guy starts having a proper go at me in the toilets.
“He thought he was being smart so we had a bit of a ding-dong and I broke his nose.
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“The news didn’t get out. I had a quiet word with our physio Laurie Brown who said it was probably broken, and he put something on it.
“I can’t even remember what the argument had been about. Many years later, a lad came up to me at five-a-side at Sale Leisure Centre and told me it was his Dad that I’d hit.
“He wasn’t angry mind you – he said his old man was an idiot!”
United take on Liverpool today as they again look to stop them winning multiple trophies in one season.
With the Carabao Cup in the bag, the Reds could still win the FA Cup, Premier League and Europa League.
Speaking on whether United could stop Liverpool from taking a step towards a quadruple today, Pearson said: “I’d love to see United beat Liverpool again but you can’t honestly say which United will turn up – they are inconsistent.
“I joke to people that I’ve lost my hair watching them over the years.
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“Luke Shaw is one of my favourite players, he is very steady, but he’s injured. Casemiro was super last year but has struggled more this season.”
He now works in the hospitality lounges at Old Trafford, and no doubt will be telling punters about the time he helped United win the FA Cup over their old rivals today.