Eric Cantona has joined calls for Israel to be thrown out of world football after a United Nations panel concluded it had committed genocide.

Footage has emerged of the Manchester United great speaking at a concert in London on Wednesday, entitled Together for Palestine, at which actor Benedict Cumberbatch also took to the stage.

The event was held a day after a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on the country constituted genocide.

Cantona said: “I played for France and Manchester United. I know that international football is more than just sport. It is culture, it is political, it is soft power.

“In a way that a country represents itself on a global stage, the time has come to suspend Israel from that privilege.

“Four days after Russia started a war in Ukraine, Fifa and Uefa suspended Russia. We are now 716 days into what Amnesty International have called a genocide. And, yet, Israel continue to be allowed to participate.

“Why? Why is it double standards? Fifa and Uefa must suspend Israel. Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams. Current players everywhere must refuse to play against Israeli teams.”