The 5 Most High-Profile Violent Incidents in English Premier League History
The Premier League has witnessed some of the most thrilling football in the world, but it has also been the scene of several high-profile violent incidents that have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Today, EPLNews looks at the five most notorious acts of violence in EPL football history.
You can also check out more of our articles on historic Premier League moments by clicking here.
Eric Cantona’s Kung-Fu Kick – January 25, 1995
One of the most infamous moments in football history occurred on January 25, 1995, when Manchester United’s Eric Cantona launched a kung-fu style kick at Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons. The incident happened after Cantona was sent off for a foul on Palace defender Richard Shaw. As he walked towards the tunnel, Simmons reportedly shouted abuse at Cantona, prompting the Frenchman to leap into the crowd and kick the fan.
This act of violence shocked the football world and led to Cantona being banned for nine months and fined £20,000. The incident not only tarnished Cantona’s reputation but also ignited a broader discussion on player behaviour and fan interactions.
Cantona later described the kick as one of his most memorable moments in football, showing little regret for his actions.
Roy Keane’s Revenge Tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland – April 21, 2001
Roy Keane, known for his tough and often brutal style of play, was involved in one of the most deliberate and violent tackles in EPL history during the Manchester Derby on April 21, 2001. Keane had a long-standing grudge against Manchester City’s Alf-Inge Haaland dating back to 1997 when Haaland had accused Keane of feigning injury after a clash.
In what appeared to be a premeditated act of revenge, Keane launched a vicious knee-high tackle on Haaland, which ended the Norwegian’s career at the highest level. Keane was immediately sent off and later received a five-match ban and a £150,000 fine after he admitted in his autobiography that the tackle was intentional.
Ben Thatcher’s Elbow on Pedro Mendes – August 23, 2006
Manchester City’s Ben Thatcher was involved in one of the most violent acts seen on a football pitch when he elbowed Portsmouth’s Pedro Mendes during a Premier League match on August 23, 2006. The incident occurred as both players were chasing a loose ball near the touchline. Thatcher, instead of playing the ball, deliberately elbowed Mendes in the face, sending him crashing into the advertising hoardings.
Mendes was knocked unconscious and required oxygen on the pitch before being taken to the hospital. Thatcher received only a yellow card during the match, but following widespread outrage, he was banned for eight matches and fined six weeks’ wages by Manchester City. This incident led to calls for stricter punishments for violent conduct in football.
Joey Barton’s Meltdown – May 13, 2012
Joey Barton, a player with a long history of disciplinary issues, had one of the most chaotic send-offs in Premier League history during the final day of the 2011-12 season. Barton, playing for Queens Park Rangers against Manchester City, was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez. However, as he left the field, Barton lashed out, kicking Sergio Agüero and attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany.
This meltdown occurred during one of the most dramatic matches in EPL history, as Manchester City went on to win the game and secure the league title in stoppage time. Barton was banned for 12 matches and fined £75,000 for his actions, which included violent conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
The Battle of Old Trafford – October 24, 2004
While not a single act of violence, the “Battle of Old Trafford” remains one of the most infamous matches in Premier League history due to the level of aggression and confrontation between the players of Manchester United and Arsenal. The match ended in a 2-0 victory for United, but it was the events after the final whistle that made headlines.
Tensions boiled over in the tunnel, leading to a massive brawl between players from both teams. The most notorious moment was when Arsenal’s Cesc Fàbregas allegedly threw a slice of pizza at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The match also marked the end of Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run and is remembered for the sheer level of animosity between the two sides.
Conclusion
These incidents are a stark reminder of the thin line between passion and violence in football. While the Premier League has done much to clean up its image and impose harsher penalties on violent conduct, these moments serve as unforgettable chapters in the history of the sport, illustrating both the intensity of competition and the consequences when emotions boil over.
These episodes have prompted the EPL to introduce stricter regulations and promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship, but they remain some of the most talked-about moments in the league’s history.