3 famously hot-tempered bad boys in modern football

It is common knowledge that bad boys are loved all over. However, in sports, there are rules and regulations to ensure players are in check. Additionally, they separate fair play from the dark arts. Football is without a doubt the most popular sport in the world. It brings together millions (if not billions) of people together, all in the name of the game.

There have been many football players who have made a name for themselves due to their unrivaled talent and exploits on the field of play. Legends such as Pele and Diego Maradona set the pace for current legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In that same course of history, there are others who have built a reputation for being fierce competitors.

Some of these players took the notion of being overly competitive too far. They have rarely backed down from a challenge and hit back without a shred of hesitation. They are the ultimate hot-tempered bad boys in the game.

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#3 Mario Balotelli

Balotelli is always up for a physical confrontation

The 28 year old has in the past built a character of being a no nonsense player. The Azzuri striker has bounced around five different clubs in Europe, and it has previously been reported that Balotelli's contract at Manchester City and Liverpool had customised clauses.

This entailed a rewarding bonus scheme if he avoided confrontation and disciplinary issues. Do you remember a previous Manchester derby that became very heated? Rio Ferdinand and Anderson were all up in his face, and we all knew a punch or head butt was on the way?

Surprisingly, Balotelli walked away in a calm manner. I guess the extra thousand pounds per week was a huge motivation. Balotelli has been sent off for getting into fights, and was reported to have gotten into a physical confrontation with former boss Roberto Mancini in training.

#2 Pepe

Pepe has had a habit of using physical confrontation against opponents

Portuguese centre back Pepe rose to fame when he signed for Real Madrid in 2006. He became a regular for both club and country due to his aggressive play, which is ideal for a centre back. However, Pepe had a dark side to his game. On a good day, he would put on a solid shift and forge his famous smile.

On a bad day, Pepe could commit some of the worst fouls in history and even deploy elbowing and kicking against his opponents. For instance in 2009, Pepe was red carded for kicking Getafe captain Francisco Casquero twice on his back, in what was viewed as an animal-like attack. Pepe lost his mind and unloaded on the player to shock football fans around the world.

More recently, Pepe was sent off against Fenerbahce in April 2018 after a horror challenge on Josef De Souza. I guess old habits die hard.

#1 Sergio Ramos

Ramos is a serial tackler with more red cards than any other player

The Spanish and Real Madrid captain is a player that needs no introduction. Ever since he was signed by Madrid 14 years ago, Ramos has been an overly aggressive defender. He is the ultimate benchmark of dark arts in football. Ramos has made nasty and career threatening tackles on opponents. Also, he has gotten into more physical confrontations than any other player.

As a result, he is on top of the chain when it comes to the most sent off players in history. Ramos does not spare anyone. In 2010, he was sent off after a nasty foul on Messi. Did he leave quietly? No. He took a piece of national team centre back partner Carlos Puyol's neck, alongside Xavi's, who was also his teammate for Spain.

Ramos has received more cards (be it yellow or red) than any other player. His total of 274 beats everyone in the history of Champions League, LaLiga, and the Spanish national team.