Football is a sport that draws passion like no other. If you support a football team, you’ll know it can evoke untold emotion, it’s simply the beauty of the game.
As fans, we’re expected to lose our heads occasionally and say the darndest things. But we’re often guilty of forgetting players and managers are fans of the sport too, meaning they can be prone to the odd outburst.
Of course, we expect those involved in football to operate with a degree of professionalism, but this isn’t always the case. Here are five of the maddest meltdowns we’ve seen in the game.
William Gallas vs Birmingham City – 2008
In what was an emotionally charged fixture overshadowed by a horrific injury to Arsenal’s Eduardo, Gallas threw a now infamous tantrum during the game.
When Gunners left back Gaël Clichy conceded a penalty in injury time at the end of the second half, Gallas stormed into the Birmingham half in a bizarre one-man protest. After Birmingham’s James McFadden converted the spot kick, a teary-eyed Gallas would kick the advertising boards whilst being consoled by manager Arsène Wenger.
Wayne Rooney vs England Fans – 2010
England fans have had to endure some nightmarish performances by the senior team, and frustrations came to a boil during the 2010 World Cup.
The Three Lions drew 0-0 against a plucky Algeria side in their second group stage match, and a chorus of boos rang throughout the arena in Cape Town. Whilst leaving the pitch, Wayne Rooney would look directly into a TV camera and sarcastically remark “nice to hear your home fans booing you!”
Kepa vs Sarri – 2019
Any football player dreams of playing in a cup final, which is why this strange incident is somewhat understandable.
During the 2019 Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea, the Spanish goalkeeper outwardly refused to be substituted during the penalty shootout. Then Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri instructed Kepa to come off, wanting to replace him with Willy Caballero, but his request would be met with a firm rejection.
Rafa Benitez Facts Rant – 2009
It’s not just players who are prone to moments of head loss, managers can also succumb to the trials and tribulations of football.
In the 2008/09 Premier League season, Rafa Benitez attempted to lead Liverpool to a first title in over 20 years. However, after an ill-timed rant during a press conference, his side would hit a bad patch of form and ultimately lose out to bitter rivals Manchester United. This isn’t an opinion by the way, it’s simply a fact.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Valencia – 2018
CR7’s first visit back to Spain after his big money move to Juventus would end prematurely, after a red card in a Champions League match against Valencia.
After being antagonised by defender Jeison Murillo, Ronaldo lashed out and was subsequently dismissed after VAR check. At first Ronaldo reacted as any player who felt as though they’d been unfairly treated would, but then…
He would slump to the ground, flail his arms in the air, and start to cry! It was such a shock to spectators everywhere, as Ronaldo was usually a very dignified man who maintained his composure. It just goes to show what football can do to even the best players.
