10 Most Unsportsmanlike Moments in Football History
Football has given us some of the greatest moments in sports history—jaw-dropping goals, legendary comebacks, and displays of pure class on and off the pitch. But sometimes, players let their emotions or ambition get the better of them, which leads to moments that are anything but sportsmanlike. Here’s a trip down football’s hall of shame—moments where fair play was thrown out the window.
Luiz Adriano’s Goal That Ignored Fair Play
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When it comes to unwritten rules in football, one of the biggest is showing respect for fair play. In a 2012 Champions League match, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Luiz Adriano made it clear he didn’t get the memo. After an injury stoppage, play resumed with a routine pass back to FC Nordsjælland’s goalkeeper—a simple gesture to return possession. But Adriano had other plans. Instead of letting the ball roll harmlessly, he sprinted forward, took possession, and slotted the ball into the net. The goal stood, but the backlash was swift, and UEFA handed him a one-match ban for violating “the principles of conduct.”
Luis Moreno’s Disgraceful Kick
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Some moments in football are shocking for all the wrong reasons. During a Colombian league match in 2011, an owl—the actual club mascot of Junior Barranquilla—was hit by the ball and lay injured on the pitch. Instead of calling for medical attention, Moreno simply kicked it off the pitch. The owl later died from stress-induced injuries and internal trauma, and Moreno’s name became synonymous with one of the most disgraceful acts ever seen in the game.
Navarro’s Cheap Shot That Sparked a Chase
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The post-match brawl between Valencia and Inter Milan in the 2007 Champions League led to an unforgettable moment when Valencia’s David Navarro–who wasn’t even playing–ran onto the field and landed a punch so hard it broke Burdisso’s nose. The scene that followed was something straight out of a comedy sketch, with Inter players chasing Navarro down the tunnel, looking for revenge. UEFA wasn’t laughing, though—they slapped Navarro with a temporary ban.
Rijkaard vs. Völler: The Spitting Scandal
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There’s unsportsmanlike, and then there’s just downright disgusting. Tensions ran high between Germany and the Netherlands during the 1990 World Cup. In the middle of it all, Dutch midfielder Frank Rijkaard decided to spit in the curly hair of German forward Rudi Völler—not once, but twice. Völler complained, only to be booked by the referee. Minutes later, Rijkaard stomped on Völler’s foot. Both players were sent off, but it was Rijkaard’s disgraceful spitting incident that stole the headlines.
Pepe’s Meltdown in Madrid
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To be fair, Pepe has never been known for restraint. Still, his 2009 meltdown against Getafe in La Liga is one of his worst. After fouling Javi Casquero in the box, Pepe completely lost it—kicking Casquero multiple times while he lay on the ground. He was suspended for 10 matches and became one of the most aggressive defenders of his time.
When Teammates Turned into Enemies
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Fights on the pitch happen, but usually, they involve opposing teams. That wasn’t the case in 2005 when Newcastle United’s Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer squared off—against each other. Their team already trailing 3-0 to Aston Villa when the frustration boiled over, and the two teammates started throwing punches right in front of 50,000 stunned fans. It’s not the best look for team chemistry.
Zaire’s Bizarre Free-Kick Clearance (1974)
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During the 1974 World Cup, Zaire defender Mwepu Ilunga did something so bizarre that even his teammates seemed confused. As Brazil lined up a free kick, Ilunga suddenly burst out of the wall and booted the ball away before it was even taken. Theories behind the incident range from Ilunga not knowing the rules to a protest against his country’s dictator threatening the team. Either way, it remains one of the strangest moments in World Cup history.
Zidane’s World Cup Headbutt
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This incident shows how one act can taint an otherwise legendary career. Italy’s Marco Materazzi said something in the 2006 World Cup final that set Zidane off. Without hesitation, the French captain turned around and launched his head straight into Materazzi’s chest. The referee sent him off, and just like that, Zidane’s career was over. France went on to lose the match, and Zidane later admitted he regretted his reaction—but he never apologized.
Ben Thatcher’s Brutal Elbow
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Manchester City’s Ben Thatcher delivered one of the dirtiest hits in football history in a 2006 Premier League match. Racing for a loose ball, Thatcher threw a flying elbow straight into Portsmouth’s Pedro Mendes, knocking him unconscious and sending him crashing into the advertising boards. Mendes was rushed to the hospital, and Thatcher faced a hefty suspension.
Henry’s Handball That Broke Irish Hearts
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In a crucial 2010 World Cup qualifying match, Thierry Henry used his hand—not once, but twice—to control the ball before setting up the winning goal for France against Ireland. The referee missed it, and Ireland’s dreams of reaching the 2010 World Cup were crushed. This controversy sparked global outrage, but FIFA refused to order a replay.
Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’
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If you ask an Argentine fan, Diego Maradona’s infamous goal against England in the 1986 World Cup was pure genius. To everyone else, it was outright cheating. Maradona punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, but the referees never caught it. After the match, he cheekily dubbed it “the Hand of God,” and the name stuck. Argentina went on to win the World Cup, but that goal remains one of the most controversial in history.
Suárez’s Handball That Crushed Ghana
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Luis Suárez’s 2010 World Cup quarterfinal handball was likely the most controversial moment of his career. With Ghana on the brink of a historic semifinal, Suárez illegally blocked a goal-bound shot with his hands. He was sent off, but Ghana missed the penalty, and Uruguay won the shootout. Suárez called it “the save of the tournament,” much to the fury of Ghanaians.
Eric Cantona’s Flying Kick at a Fan
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Footballers argue with fans all the time, but Eric Cantona took it to another level. The Manchester United star launched a flying kick at a heckling Crystal Palace fan after being sent off during a 1995 match. The shocking attack led to a nine-month ban, and Cantona’s press conference afterward? Just as bizarre. His response? “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.” Still scratching your head? So is everyone else.
Paolo Di Canio Pushes a Referee
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Paolo Di Canio was a player who wore his emotions on his sleeve, and in 1998, those emotions got the better of him in a way that stunned everyone watching. While playing for Sheffield Wednesday in a Premier League match against Arsenal, Di Canio received a red card for a clash with an opponent. Instead of walking off the pitch quietly, he shoved referee Paul Alcock in frustration. What happened next was almost comical—Alcock stumbled backward in slow motion before tumbling to the ground in dramatic fashion.
Rivaldo’s Oscar-Worthy Dive
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Rivaldo’s dive in the 2002 World Cup was pure theatre. As Brazil waited to take a corner, Turkey’s Hakan Ünsal kicked the ball toward Rivaldo and struck his thigh. But Rivaldo collapsed and clutched his face as if he’d been punched. The referee bought it. Without hesitation, he pulled out a red card for Turkey’s Hakan Ünsal, who stood in utter disbelief, arms raised in protest. Replays showed that the ball had never come close to Rivaldo’s face. FIFA later fined him for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the damage was done.