FOOTBALL fans were left disappointed by a “poor” and “disorganised” evening at the BIC featuring Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

Audience members have demanded a refund for Tuesday night’s event organised by Terry Baker, of Christchurch-based A1 Sporting Speakers. Those who forked out £200 for a VIP ticket to meet the ‘King of Old Trafford’ said they were not even allowed an autograph.

Brendan McCusker, who reviewed the event for the Daily Echo, said “it did not begin well”.

“The first half consisted of a small screen showing grainy highlights of some of Cantona’s goals, an iffy comedian, and a seemingly endless auction of football memorabilia. This resulted in audience members booing, and many leaving early for the half-hour interval. After the break, Eric Cantona walked on to a standing ovation, immediately capturing and charming the crowd with his intelligent, lively personality and that smooth, husky French accent.”

Other audience members said while Cantona was “engaging” and “witty”, they were “very disappointed” he was not on stage longer.

Mike Hammonds said: “The show was advertised as an ‘Evening with Eric Cantona’ - it turned out to be 45 minutes!”

Dennis Young said: “I was very disappointed at the length of time Eric was actually on stage.”

Brian Whitlock said: “It was a poor and disorganised evening. The interviewer really didn’t have a clue. I didn’t get anything out of it that I didn’t already know.”

He added the comedian who opened the event was “inappropriate, telling out-of-date jokes about overweight women and people with dyslexia.”

Louis Garrett was also disappointed with how the evening ended. He said: “After a few questions from drunk members of the audience, Cantona was gone due to the fact he was, and I quote from the interviewer, ‘tired from getting up in Croatia at 6am’.”

A spokesperson for the BIC said: “As the host venue, we are sorry that last night’s ‘An Evening with Eric Cantona’ did not meet the expectations for some customers. We have, and will continue to, provide this feedback to the show promoter.”

It took Cantona five years to come round to the idea of a live show, according to Mr Baker, who is also an agent for England legend Paul Gascoigne

He did not respond to the Daily Echo’s request for a comment.