5 great managers who were sent off dramatically during games

#3 Antonio Conte

FC Internazionale Milano v Udinese Calcio - Serie A

The Italian has been known to bring in a serious injection of passion and intensity in whichever dressing room he has walked into. Antonio Conte is not everyone's cup of tea and this is not restricted to only his players and the coaching staff.

Sometimes opposition players, managers and in some cases even match officials and referees have been on the receiving end of his aggression. This instance dates back to the start of 2021, when Conte's Inter Milan failed to match table toppers AC Milan's points tally due to a 0-0 draw vs Udinese.

The Italian was furious at the officials for adding just four minutes of injury time and in his judgement, the game deserved more. He protested against referee Fabio Maresca and even confronted him in a threatening manner post his sending off in the tunnel.

He was sent off in 2017, as the Chelsea manager against Swansea City for screaming at the fourth official, too.

---

#2 Jose Mourinho

Hellas Verona FC v AS Roma - Serie A

Being the self-proclaimed 'Special One' is not everyone's cup of tea. A decorated CV, borderline-arrogant personality, his methods of "parking the bus" are some of the ways people like to describe Jose Mourinho. He's been to places and he's conquered titles, so like it or not, one has to accept his presence, even with a pinch of salt at times.

The Portuguese is blunt, outspoken and there's never been a dull moment in his life. However, those are also qualities that can land you in the badbooks of certain people and it's a real mess when these people are match officials and referees. In one of the most recent incidents, Mourinho was sent off for his new side AS Roma in a game against Napoli.

He was first booked for showing dissent in the 19th minute of the game and later breached his technical area exasperated, gesticulating uncontrollably. The Roma boss was even seen kicking an object which led to his sending off. He was unhappy with referee David Massa's performance on the night and gave a sarcastic thumbs up to the fourth official while walking off.

After the final whistle blew, even Napoli boss Luciano Spalleti had a sarcastic exchange with the referee and he was also shown a red. Mourinho had earlier received a touchline ban after being sent off as Man United boss in 2016. Just "Special One" things!

---

#1 Arsene Wenger

Manchester United v Arsenal - Premier League

A professor is usually known for conducting himself with dignity and keeping his students in discipline, making sure they don't cross the line and maintain respect. However, 'Le Professeur' had moments in his esteemed Arsenal career where emotions got the better of him and his usually poised personality disappeared.

It hardly came as a shock when Arsene Wenger got all worked up against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2009. Him and Sir Alex Fergusson had long sustained a high-quality rivalry between the two clubs and impulsive outbursts were a part of it.

The incident occurred more than a decade ago when Arsenal lost 2-1 to the Red Devils in 2009 and a late equalizer scored by the Gunners was disallowed. Wenger kicked a water bottle in frustration which was noticed by fourth official Lee Probert. He brought this to referee Mike Dean's attention and Dean issued a red.

What follows is still considered one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. The Gunners boss stood on a platform in the stands at Old Trafford with his arms outstretched in a provocative gesture to Mike Dean. Man United fans took great pleasure in haranguing him before he was escorted to the tunnel.

It is worth noting though that Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the organization that appoints officials to top-flight games in England, apologized for the incident.