When it comes to sport, football remains one of the most beautiful games with largest worshipers across religion, culture and race. Virtually a kid of 4 years already knows all the rules of football with a pure difference between ‘’’red and yellow card as well as foul’’ We all enjoy the free flowing passes and players finding their team mate without taking their eyes off the ball. The emotional rift and probably some little fight here and there, may contribute to the fun aspect of the game even though few may disagree with. Personally, I have enjoyed some of those fights at times if I must be honest here. It all makes the game beautiful to watch though.
Over the years I have come to the thinking that football fight is mostly fought at the touch line more than in the pitch. In this fight, nobody is spared:manager, player, referee as well as the fans. It can come from any angle and different shapes. We have witness many at time in the English premier league where coaches and their crews had it head on with their opponent and trading counter accusations.
Alan Pardew headbutt
Alan Pardew is not a strange name in EPL. His side; Newcastle was leading in a 3-1 score line against Hull City at the KC stadium in 2014 when a touch line altercation ensued due to an innocuous throw-in when Pardew to pushed his forehead into side of Meyley’s face as he picked up the ball to resume play. The FA handed Alan Pardew a 3 match ban, £160,000 fine and a 4 match touchline suspension to become the biggest punishment an Epl manager has received.
Pizzagate
This the name may sound so strange to many football fans, hahaha.Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson ended Arsene Wenger 49 matches unbeaten run in the league on October, 2004 at Old Trafford in a controversial manner in a 2-0 win when temper was flared when both teams were leaving the pitch towards the tunnel. A shout of ‘’you cheat’’ was heard after Wayne Rooney got a late penalty out of little contact was heard. While Ferguson and Wenger were seen at the middle of the mass row arguing furiously, food from dressing room buffet including soup and sandwiches was thrown at them but the best target was from a slice of pizza which landed on Ferguson suit. This was followed by slapping sound on Ferguson face by unknown player later identified as Cesc Fabrigas
Wenger was later fined £15,000 for allegation of cheating and Raud van Nistelrooy got 3 match ban for a challenge on Arsenal Ashley Cole.
Suarez’s-Ivanovic bit
April, 2013 saw a match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield filled with drama. Suarez had caused his team a penalty that gave Chelsea the lead but was desperate to redeem his mistake went all out to get the ball at the back of the net. Daniel Sturridge had passed the ball to Suarez inside Chelsea box when defender Branislav Ivanovic was able to move the ball to the edge of the box when from Suarez’s leg. Drama ensued when Ivanovic fell on the ground will Suarez on top of him. Suarez had before now grabbed the Chelsea defender on his jersey and suck his teeth in his arms. Suarez stood up to protest for a penalty from referee Kevin Friend that was turned down for not seeing the incident only for Ivonovic protest when he showed the referee a clear bit marks on his arms but his appeal was not heeded. Suarez went on to atone for his mistake when he scored a 97th minute goal to rescue a point for Liverpool. Later on the FA reviewed the incident and handed him a 10 match ban.
Eric Cantona Kung-fu kick
In a match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at the Selhurst Park in January, 1995 saw Manchester United Eri Cantona who had just received match order was touted by a fan as he was walking towards the tunnel replied the with a surprising Kung-fu kick on the fan. United didn’t wait for the FA hammer but suspended Eric for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea Vs Spurs title hope fight
It was a funny scene in the 2015/2016 premier league games between the two London rivalries in a London derby went crazy with dirty tackles, fight and separations. Tottenham needed a win against Chelsea at Stamford bridge to keep their hope alive for their first top flight title since 1961 ended in a brew after they had squandered their two goals lead to draw 2-2 with Chelsea. Spurs got nine players on the referee card which remains the most for a single team in Epl history.
How do you see altercation or fight in football game. does it add anything to the game?. Let me hear your opinion on the comment section.
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