Football, often called the beautiful game, showcases skill, teamwork, and moments of sporting brilliance. However, a darker side exists, marked by on-field aggression, unsportsmanlike behaviour, and actions that cross the line. Some players become notorious for their cynical fouls, violent tackles, and disregard for fair play. While we would never condone that sort of behaviour on the pitch, we still want to stress them and mention some of the most notorious and dirtiest football players in history.
Nigel de Jong
Nigel de Jong, a Dutch midfielder, is notorious for his aggressive and physical style of play, often described as using his body as a weapon. He is remembered for his collection of “bone-chilling tackles” that have injured several opponents. De Jong himself acknowledges that he was a “hard man” on the pitch whose intention was to make opponents feel his presence.
His most infamous tackle occurred during the 2010 World Cup final against Spain, where he kicked Xabi Alonso in the chest. Despite the violent nature of the challenge, de Jong only received a yellow card . Alonso later described it as “one of the worst tackles I have ever suffered.” This incident is still well-remembered in Spain. De Jong’s aggressive style is highlighted in a video where the commentator says “unrestrained” during the tackle on Alonso.
De Jong’s tackles have been described as “horrible” and have earned him a reputation as one of football’s most cynical players. He frequently appears in lists of the worst tackles in football history. A compilation of his tackles is available on social media.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is a highly skilled goal scorer, but he is equally known for a string of controversial incidents throughout his career. These controversies range from racial abuse and biting opponents to handball incidents and on-field altercations.
Suarez has a history of biting opponents, with three separate and well-publicized incidents. The first occurred in 2010 when he bit PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax, earning him the nickname “Cannibal of Ajax” and a seven-match ban. In 2013, he bit Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League match.
Although the referee missed the incident, Suarez was later given a ten-match ban following a review by the FA. The panel criticized Suarez for not appreciating the seriousness of the incident and emphasized the importance of setting a good example. The most infamous bite happened at the 2014 World Cup when he bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. Suarez was given a four-month ban by FIFA, which also prohibited him from any football-related activity.
However, during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match against Ghana, Suarez intentionally used his hand to prevent a goal near the end of the match. He was given a red card, but Ghana missed the subsequent penalty, and Uruguay won the match. This incident sparked debate over fair play and sportsmanship.
Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli’s career is marked by a consistent string of controversies both on and off the field, earning him a reputation as one of football’s most unpredictable figures. His actions have often overshadowed his talent, leading to frequent clashes with managers, teammates, and even club staff. A significant source of his problems stems from his disregard for rules and authority, coupled with his volatile temperament.
During his time at Inter Milan, Balotelli had several disciplinary issues, including a strained relationship with head coach José Mourinho. Mourinho criticized Balotelli for a lack of effort in training, leading to his exclusion from the first team. Balotelli further stirred controversy by publicly wearing an AC Milan shirt while still playing for Inter, which caused an uproar among fans.
His behaviour continued at Manchester City, where he threw darts at youth-team players, resulting in a reprimand from club officials. He also had multiple altercations with manager Roberto Mancini, including a training ground bust-up that required intervention from club staff. Beyond his behaviour at training, Balotelli also violated club rules by going to a strip club before a match, incurring a hefty fine. His off-field antics also included setting off fireworks in his bathroom, causing a fire.
Balotelli’s tendency to act impulsively and disregard authority has made him a controversial figure in football. Even a move to Liverpool required a good behaviour clause. These instances underscore a pattern of disrespect for rules and authority, which have continually defined his career.
Joey Barton
Joey Barton’s career is characterized by numerous on-field incidents, disciplinary issues, and a reputation for reckless tackles and violent conduct. He accumulated 78 yellow cards and six red cards in his Premier League career. His on-field aggression often led to suspensions, with several instances of violent conduct resulting in significant bans. One of his most infamous incidents occurred on the final day of the 2011-2012 season while playing for Queens Park Rangers against Manchester City.
After being sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez, Barton kicked Sergio Agüero and attempted to headbutt Vincent Kompany, leading to a 12-match ban and a £75,000 fine. This incident exemplifies his tendency towards violent and uncontrolled reactions on the pitch. Barton himself admitted that his behaviour was wrong and accepted the punishment.
Beyond specific incidents, Barton’s career has been consistently marred by disciplinary problems and altercations. He has been charged with violent conduct multiple times by the FA. In 2007, he was involved in a training ground assault on teammate Ousmane Dabo, which effectively ended his Manchester City career. He also received a six-match ban for this incident. He also received a ban for punching Morten Gamst Pedersen in the stomach.
Further compounding his issues, Barton received an 18-month ban from football for violating FA betting rules after admitting to placing 1,260 bets on football matches. This ban highlights a pattern of misconduct that extends beyond his on-field behaviour. His disciplinary issues were not limited to on-field action and showed his troubled history with authority. His career also includes convictions for violent crimes, including a six-month prison sentence for assault and affray.
Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona, a player celebrated for his footballing brilliance, was equally known for his volatile temperament and impulsive actions, which led to numerous controversies throughout his career. Even early in his career in France, Cantona displayed a lack of tolerance, beginning with an incident where he punched his Auxerre teammate, Bruno Martini, in the face, resulting in a fine.
This set the tone for a career punctuated by clashes with teammates, officials, and even fans. Cantona’s emotional reactions often led to disciplinary issues. For instance, when substituted, he would react dramatically, kicking the ball into the crowd or ripping off his shirt in disgust. His lack of discipline eventually led to his premature retirement from international football at the age of twenty-five.
Cantona’s most infamous incident occurred on January 25, 1995, during a match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. After receiving a red card for retaliating against a Crystal Palace player, Cantona was walking off the pitch at Selhurst Park when he was verbally abused by a Crystal Palace fan, Matthew Simmons. Cantona responded by launching a “kung-fu style” kick into the crowd, followed by punches directed at Simmons.
This action resulted in an eight-month ban from football, a fine, and 120 hours of community service. Cantona’s actions were described as “a stain on our game” by the Chief Executive of the FA at the time. In a bizarre press conference following the court’s ruling, Cantona delivered an enigmatic quote, “When seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea,” which became emblematic of his complex relationship with the media.
Vinnie Jones
Vinnie Jones epitomized the image of the football hardman, becoming synonymous with aggressive tackling and an intimidating presence on the pitch. As a pivotal member of the Wimbledon “Crazy Gang” during the 1980s and 1990s, Jones embodied the team’s notorious reputation for physical and often outrageous behaviour.
His style was not just about physical strength but also about psychological dominance over opponents. He has described the culture at Wimbledon, stating, “You either grew a backbone quickly or dissolved as a man.” This quote encapsulates the intimidating environment he fostered both in training and on the pitch.
One of the most infamous examples of Jones’s on-field behaviour was his clash with Paul Gascoigne, where he grabbed Gascoigne’s testicles during a match. This act is a prime illustration of his willingness to use any means necessary to gain an advantage, regardless of sportsmanship or decorum.
Despite his notoriety for hard tackles, he also captained the Welsh national team, qualifying through a Welsh grandparent. He made 184 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals. His time at Wimbledon is particularly remembered due to the team’s unlikely rise from the lower leagues to the top flight.
