Crazy Red Cards in Prem History
The Premier League is renowned for its high-octane drama, intense rivalries, and the occasional moment of madness on the pitch. Red cards, while a normal part of football, have been issued in some truly extraordinary circumstances that have left fans and pundits baffled.
Today EPLNews looks at seven of the craziest red cards in EPL history, featuring shocking tackles, mistaken identity and more.
1. Paolo Di Canio vs Arsenal (September 26, 1998)
Paolo Di Canio was no stranger to controversy, but his actions in this Sheffield Wednesday match against Arsenal took it to a new level. The fiery Italian forward was involved in a scuffle with Arsenal’s Martin Keown, which escalated rapidly. Referee Paul Alcock intervened and showed Di Canio a red card for his part in the fracas.
What happened next was truly astonishing – Di Canio pushed Alcock, sending the referee tumbling to the ground. The incident resulted in an 11-match ban for Di Canio and a reputation that preceded him for the rest of his career.
2. Joey Barton vs Manchester City (May 13, 2012)
Joey Barton’s career is peppered with incidents of ill-discipline, but his antics on the final day of the 2011-12 season were particularly memorable. With QPR fighting to avoid relegation and Manchester City chasing the title, tensions were high.
Barton was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez. As he left the pitch, he kicked Sergio Agüero and attempted to headbutt Vincent Kompany. His actions sparked chaos and earned him a 12-match ban. Manchester City went on to win the match and secure the title with Sergio Agüero’s dramatic late goal, while Barton’s behaviour dominated headlines.
3. David Beckham vs Argentina (1998 World Cup)
Though not in the Premier League, this incident had significant ramifications for David Beckham’s career in English football. During the World Cup round of 16 match against Argentina, Beckham was infamously sent off for a retaliatory kick at Diego Simeone.
While England crashed out of the tournament on penalties, Beckham returned to Manchester United facing intense criticism and scrutiny. This moment, albeit on the international stage, played a crucial role in shaping Beckham’s relationship with English fans and media.
4. Kieran Gibbs vs Chelsea (March 22, 2014)
In a case of mistaken identity that left fans and players bewildered, Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs was shown a red card instead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The confusion arose after Oxlade-Chamberlain handled the ball in the box during Arsenal’s 6-0 defeat to Chelsea. Referee Andre Marriner sent off Gibbs, despite Oxlade-Chamberlain admitting to the handball.
The error was later acknowledged, but the incident highlighted the need for better officiating measures, eventually contributing to the introduction of VAR technology in the Premier League.
5. Eric Cantona vs Crystal Palace (January 25, 1995)
Eric Cantona’s infamous “kung fu kick” on a Crystal Palace fan is one of the most notorious moments in football history. After being sent off for a challenge on Richard Shaw, Cantona responded to taunts from a Palace supporter by launching a kick into the crowd.
The incident led to a nine-month suspension from football and 120 hours of community service for Cantona. Despite the lengthy ban, Cantona returned to lead Manchester United to further success, cementing his status as a club legend.
6. Duncan Ferguson vs Leicester City (February 23, 1994)
Duncan Ferguson’s career was characterised by his physicality and aggression, but his red card against Leicester City in 1994 stood out for its sheer audacity. Ferguson headbutted Leicester’s defender John McStay during a match, earning him a red card and a subsequent prison sentence for assault.
This incident was one of the few times a player’s on-field actions resulted in a jail term. Ferguson served 44 days in prison but returned to the game, continuing his combative style with Everton and later Newcastle United.
7. Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer vs Aston Villa (April 2, 2005)
Fights between teammates are rare in football, but Newcastle’s Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer’s bust-up during a match against Aston Villa was unprecedented in the Premier League.
With Newcastle trailing 3-0, Bowyer and Dyer began fighting each other, leading to both being sent off. Manager Graeme Souness described the incident as “unacceptable,” and both players were heavily fined and suspended.
The clash remains one of the most bizarre moments in EPL history, showcasing the intense pressure players can face.
Conclusion
The Premier League has seen its fair share of controversies, but these seven red cards stand out for their drama and impact. From moments of madness to cases of mistaken identity, these incidents have not only provided memorable moments but also influenced changes in the game.
Whether through the introduction of VAR or changes in player discipline, the legacy of these red cards continues to be felt in the EPL today. As the league evolves, fans can expect more drama and unforgettable moments, keeping the spirit of competition and unpredictability alive.