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Juan Mata was sent off against West BromHave you ever seen a player sent off the pitch and wondered, seriously? That's what Manchester United (and probably Chelsea & Valencia) fans must have been saying as Champions League winner Juan Mata trudged off the pitch in the 26th minute at the Hawthorns last weekend.He's built up a reputation as one of football's nice guys, but when the red mist descends, it makes anyone crazy. Even those select few legendary footballers who've become beaming, benevolent guardian angels of the beautiful game, believe it or not.Since we're so accustomed to stereotyping the modern footballer as an arrogant, flashy individual, fans tend to warm to players who display a sort of humility and groundedness. They can become cult heroes even without displaying the level of talent possessed by more expensive and more effective players.But out there in the fervour of a feisty derby or the dying embers of a knife-edge final, pressure or anger can suffocate anyone. Let's take a look at the days some of football's favourite sons got a little bit naughty.As Liverpool great Bill Shankly put it, "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that".
#5 Francesco Totti
The Italian capital club's walking totem is renowned throughout football for his class and conduct on the pitch. His goalscoring exploits and leadership and passion will last much longer than his remarkable 2-decade career at the top-level. With 309 goals, he is the 7th highest scoring Italian in history. At his club, he’s the best.
Considering all that, Roma fans would’ve been quite forgiving when he was sent off for a frustrated, angry kick at Mario Balotelli in 2010. As Jose Mourinho’s ruthless Nerazzurri marched on to a Diego-Milito inspired Coppa Italia triumph, Francesco Totti sighted a 19-yr-old Balotelli's legs.
Frustrated and chasing the game, the Roma hero swung at Balotelli from behind and earned himself an 88th minute sending off, having come off the bench in the first place.
He was later quoted as saying, “I kicked him because of what he said on the pitch, and for what he did at San Siro”, in reference to some over-the-top celebrations from Mario Balotelli in a bombastic 3-3 draw at Inter’s home ground.
Talk about a good guy gone bad!
#4 David Beckham
A successful career spanning Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and PSG took on iconic dimensions when it landed him on North American shores. Upon signing for the LA Galaxy, David Beckham was the first of a huge influx of superstars (and attention) into the US football scene.
His name and celebrity-like appeal made him a perfect target for the US media's attention. He's even married to one of the most famous pop stars of the past 20 years - Victoria of the Spice Girls! Upon his teary retirement in France, David Beckham proceeded to establish himself in US football and is currently in the process of founding an expansion team. He already owns a stadium - and most people's utter respect.
How his 23-year-old self would've been happy to know all that. After the quarterfinals of the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham sat alone in the dressing room, surrounded by heartbroken English footballers. He had fallen for then Argentinian captain Diego Simeone's provocation and been sent off for lashing out after a foul. Down to 10, England held on until they were seen off 4-3 on penalties.
One of their finest set-piece takers had cost them the tie, it seemed. A burning effigy of David Beckham became a symbol of England's final failure of the 20th century. The media and fans erupted in a pit of seething anger at the young man and his role in England's demise. He was booed vociferously until he rose through the anger to become England's most capped outfield player.
Beckham later revealed that night gave him 'nightmares'.
#3 Ronaldinho
His lightning thought, magical controls and mesmerizing dribbles merely complemented one of the finest talents the game will ever see. Elasticos, no-look passes, cheeky chips - the Ronaldinho highlight reel is a veritable exhibition of breathtaking football.
He's the modern embodiment of Brazil's 'Joga Bonito' philosophy. His popularity in the game has even extended to Bollywood cinemas! The 2002 World Cup champion was always associated more with step-overs than studs-up.
And yet, he's on this list too. In 2013, Atletico Mineiro faced Guangzhou Evergrande in the 3rd-place play-off. Ronaldinho had equalized with an exquisite free kick in 1st-half injury-time. He was enduring quite a kicking throughout the game, but he held on to his temper.
Until the 88th minute, that is, when Ronaldinho was fouled by an Evergrande player. As he tumbled to the ground, he was viciously kicked at in mid-air. In that split second, he lost his cool and lunged at the Evergrande man with his studs up. The referee sent the Mineiro magician right off - game, set and match they thought.
Except Mineiro player Luan proceeded scored a late, late winner, to seal a 3-2 victory for the Brazilian side.
#2 Lionel Messi
While Cristiano Ronaldo may have something to say about that, it would probably count against him. In their decade of domination, the Messi/Ronaldo rivalry has become one of football's greatest stories.
On one hand we have the humble, team-loving Lionel Messi. On the other hand, we have the arrogant, brilliant and individualistic Cristiano Ronaldo.
It sounds very cool but it's not an entirely accurate reflection of the two men, despite the contrasts in their games. Ronaldo's occasional outbursts and forthrightness have made him an easy target for character critics. Lionel Messi has been treated far less harshly by the media.
His bamboozling runs and incredible goals are just some of the attributes that make him a global superstar. His record-breaking assist rate and fantastic playmaking abilities mark him out as one of the best team players on the planet. Even his humble, simple demeanour on the pitch have made him a football fan favourite. So the narrative took quite a turn in December 2012 when a slightly stumbling Barcelona took on Granada.
Messi made a pass to teammate David Villa. The Spaniard was crowded out and lost the ball, prompting a furious reaction from Messi. He responded in kind and for a few moments tensions boiled over in a small argument.
The media pounced upon it the Argentine as rumours of a bust-up with Villa abounded. He later said, "It happens in training, and in matches as well. I haven't got any problems with El Guaje [Villa], quite the opposite. These things show the character of the team".
As one of the two men breaking records in every match they play, Messi deserves as much of a break as Ronaldo does!
#1 Zinedine Zidane
Zidane announced his plans for retirement after the Germany 2006 World Cup, however, the world was united in celebrating the end of a true footballing legend. One of football's most brilliant minds was about to put down his tools forever, at the wise, old age of 33.
In an unlikely run to the finals, Zidane's quality shone on the pitch as he drove France with some truly virtuoso displays. One of his many showreel highlights was his man-of-the-match display as France expertly dealt with the fearsome World Champions. Just like the1998 World Cup final, Zidane was decisive, assisting Henry's clinical finish. By the end of the tournament, he'd captained them to victories over Spain and Portugal as well.
So when Zidane clipped an exquisite penalty onto the underside of Buffon's post, nobody in the world was surprised. The talisman had done it again. Marco Materazzi equalized for the Italians, but most people won't remember the duo for their goals in this match. In the 110th minute, after a seemingly innocuous verbal exchange, Zinedine Zidane jogged forward, almost calmly, but his seething rage got the best of him and he headbutted Materazzi in the chest. The Italian tumbled to the floor, and the French captain was sent off.
France went on to lose 5-3 on penalties, and Zidane's illustrious career ended in acrimony, madness and a delightful performance in the final!
