5 of the most bizarre moments in World Cup history

#4 John Aldridge loses his cool, World Cup 1994

The temperature and humidity levels at the World Cup in 1994 – taking place in the USA – were a point of contention early on in the tournament, as no lesser than Diego Maradona spoke out against the timing of the games – claiming FIFA were being unfair to the players. It was Ireland’s John Aldridge though who had the most bizarre meltdown.

In the boiling 101-degree heat of Orlando’s Citrus Bowl, Ireland boss Jack Charlton wanted to introduce Aldridge into the game to replace Tommy Coyne, as his side trailed Mexico by two goals. Coyne left the field, but for some unknown reason, a FIFA official prevented Aldridge from entering the fray, leaving Ireland playing with 10 men.

And so in the heat of the moment, Aldridge snapped, aiming a foul-mouthed tirade at the official, all of which was caught on camera. Eventually, the striker got onto the pitch, and then it was Charlton’s turn, as he exploded into his own rant – eventually earning himself banishment from the touchline, as he’d already railed at FIFA officials for not allowing his players to drink water during a previous game in more searing heat.

It didn’t all end badly for Ireland, though – the fired-up Aldridge scored a header to make the game 2-1, and the goal was enough to send his side through into the second round via goal difference at the expense of Norway.