The Most Infamous Red Card Incidents in Premier League History
The Premier League, known for its intensity and competitive spirit, has witnessed numerous red card incidents that have left a lasting impact on players, fans, and the league’s history.
We consider these instances as historic moments in EPL’s past. You can read more articles about important happenings in the history of the Premier League on our website by clicking here.
Today we explore some of the most infamous EPL red cards that have been shown in England’s top flight.
Roy Keane vs Manchester City – April 21, 2001
One of the most notorious red card incidents in Premier League history occurred in April ‘01, during a match between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Roy Keane, known for his aggressive playing style, was sent off for a horrific challenge on Alf-Inge Haaland. The incident was a premeditated act of revenge for an earlier encounter between the two players in 1997, where Haaland accused Keane of feigning injury.
Keane’s challenge resulted in a straight red card and left Haaland with a serious knee injury, effectively ending his playing career. Keane later admitted in his autobiography that the tackle was deliberate, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s hard men.
Eric Cantona vs Crystal Palace – January 24, 1995
In perhaps the most infamous violent incident involving players and fans in the Premier League, Eric Cantona delivered a ‘kung-fu kick’ to a Crystal Palace fan who had been shouting abuse at him.
Eric Cantona kung-fu kick on Crystal Palace fan
The incident, which took place in the 47th minute of a relatively uneventful game, will always remain in the memory for its uniqueness, as well as for the subsequent 1-year ban dished out to Cantona.
Joey Barton vs Manchester City – May 13, 2012
Joey Barton, a player known for his disciplinary issues, was involved in a dramatic red card incident on May 13, 2012, during a match between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City.
Barton was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez, but the drama did not end there. As he left the pitch, Barton kicked Sergio Agüero and attempted to headbutt Vincent Kompany.
His actions led to a lengthy suspension and marred an otherwise thrilling final day of the season, where Manchester City clinched the title with a last-minute goal.
Luis Suárez vs Chelsea – April 21, 2013
This is one that should have been.
Luis Suárez, one of the most talented yet controversial players in Premier League history, was not shown a red card during a match between Liverpool and Chelsea.
The referee failed to spot Suárez biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanović, an act that shocked the football world. This was not the first time Suárez had been involved in such an incident, having previously bitten an opponent while playing in the Netherlands.
If VAR had been in use back then, it would certainly have prompted the decision to send the Uruguayan off for such behaviour.
Steven Gerrard vs Manchester United – March 22, 2015
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was sent off just 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute in a match against Manchester United on March 22, 2015.
Gerrard’s red card came after he stamped on Ander Herrera, an act of frustration that cost his team dearly. Liverpool went on to lose the match, and Gerrard’s moment of madness was heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike.
Gerrard himself spoke about the incident years later, while in charge of Rangers, deeming it ‘unexplainable’. “I was only on for about 43 seconds,” Gerrard said. “But I think that sending off had been coming since that Thursday, to be honest! Ever since I found out I wasn’t going to start.
“I was a player who played on emotion and that’s where I felt my best performances – all the performances people speak about – came from. But sometimes I got the balance wrong.
“I’m human, my players are human and they’ll get it wrong sometimes. I can accept that.”
This incident highlighted the intense emotions involved and individual frustrations that sometimes come up in one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries.
Eden Hazard vs Swansea City – January 23, 2013
While this did not happen in a Premier League game, it was still a significant development.
Chelsea’s Eden Hazard was sent off in bizarre circumstances during an EFL Cup match against Swansea City in 2013.
Hazard received a red card for kicking a ball boy who was attempting to waste time by lying on the ball. The incident occurred during the second leg of the League Cup semi-final, with Chelsea needing a goal to stay in the competition. Hazard’s actions were widely condemned, and he later apologised to the ball boy. Despite the apology, the red card and the surrounding controversy overshadowed the match.
However, it’s safe to say that the two have made peace since then, even reuniting 10 years later to enjoy a drink.
Paolo Di Canio vs Arsenal – September 26, 1998
One of the most memorable red card incidents involved West Ham United’s Paolo Di Canio during a match against Arsenal back in 1998.
Di Canio was sent off for pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground after receiving a red card for an altercation with Arsenal’s Martin Keown. The push sent Alcock tumbling dramatically, leading to a lengthy ban for Di Canio.
This incident highlighted the importance of respecting officials and the severe consequences of failing to do so.
Conclusion
The Premier League has provided football fans with countless memorable moments, including some of the most infamous red card incidents in the sport’s history. These red cards, while often controversial, are a testament to the passion and intensity that characterises the league.
From moments of sheer aggression to acts of frustration and revenge, these incidents have left an indelible mark on the Premier League, reminding us of the fine line between competitive spirit and disciplinary breaches.