5 unscrupulous players in football at the moment

#4 Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

Diego Costa is well-known for getting into fights often

After spending six months out of the sport, imagine scoring a goal on your debut and then getting sent off, a bittersweet day to remember. The man in question? Diego Costa.

The Spaniard pokes, scratches, kicks and gets under the skins of his opponents during games. Add occasional diving incidents to the list, and you also have one of the most hated personalities in the sport at present.

The Atletico forward has also displayed the dark side of himself by using unfair means to wind up his opponents. During a fiery Madrid derby in 2013, he was caught on camera spitting at Sergio Ramos - twice.

As a result of his terrible temper, he also received a three-match ban for stamping on Emre Can, while missing out on another after kicking Vincent Kompany in a game against Manchester City.

Costa has been involved in a lot of fights with players more often than not. He received another three-game ban after being involved in a brawl with Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista.

No wonder the 29 year old has gained fame as a malicious villain in the beautiful game.