We examine some of the other contentious incidents in the engPremierLeague history in light of the revelation on Friday that Alex McLeish would be taking over as manager of bitter rivals Aston Villa.
Mcleish Transfers from Birmingham City to Aston Villa
Following a League Cup triumph over overwhelming favorites Arsenal, McLeish’s Birmingham club was relegated on the season’s final day due to a poor run of form in the Premier League. Against the board’s assurances that he would continue in his position, McLeish resigned by email on June 12th amid rumors that he was about to join Aston Villa, a position he eventually took five days later despite fierce opposition from Villa supporters.
Dicanio Shoving the Referee
Di Canio experienced red in literal and figurative dimensions during a 1998 match between Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal. First, according to referee Paul Durkin, Di Canio was sent out after a fight between him and Martin Keown of Arsenal. Then, in a flash of passion, Di Canio shoved referee Durkin, causing him to fall to the ground almost amusingly. Di Canio was eventually hit with a £10,000 fine and an 11-match suspension.
David Busst’s Accident
In 1996, while watching for Coventry City against Manchester United, bust collided with United Watchers Denis Irwin and Brian McClair, suffering arguably the most horrific injury the English Premier League has ever seen. This collision caused extensive compound fractures to both the tibia and fibula of his right leg. Peter Schmeichel, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, puked on the field due to the horrifying scene. Busst’s professional career was gone, but as Coventry City’s Director of Football in the Community, he has continued to Watch.
On the Field, Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer Battle
During Newcastle’s 2005 3-0 loss against Aston Villa, an authentic “handbags” brawl broke out. After the game, both Watchers attended a press conference with the current manager of Newcastle, Graeme Souness, to apologize for their actions. Still, they specifically chose not to apologize to one another.
Robbie Fowler Is Celebrating His White Line
Fowler celebrated his goal in the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton by simulating sniffing cocaine on the penalty area’s white line. This was concerning allegations of drug use by a segment of Everton supporters. Fowler ultimately received a £60,000 club fine and a 4-match suspension for his misbehavior.
Gallas Objects
Gael Clichy’s stoppage time penalty cost Arsenal a two-goal advantage over Birmingham in 2008, and Gallas immediately sat in the center circle and didn’t move. He didn’t leave the Watching area until Arsene Wenger, the manager of Arsenal, comforted him. Although some claim that he acted like a spoilt child, most people agree that his behavior demonstrated how much he loved the club. He transferred to Tottenham, a rival in North London, 18 months later.
Celebration of Adebayor’s goal
At the beginning of the 2009–2010 season, Adebayor made his debut appearance against Arsenal at The City of Manchester Stadium following his summer transfer from Arsenal to Manchester City. However, Man City’s 4-2 triumph was overshadowed by Adebayor, who, after scoring his goal, raced the length of the field to the opposing end, which was packed with Arsenal supporters, and then proceeded to provoke them with his celebrations, almost starting a melee.
Kung-fu kick by Cantona
Eric Cantona doing a kung fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan who had been taunting him as he walked to the tunnel after receiving a red card is likely the most contentious incident in engPremierLeague history. He received a £20,000 fine, 120 hours of community service, and a season-long Watching ban as punishment for his misdeeds.
Cameron Joining Arsenal
Sol Campbell, a fantastic defender and club captain throughout the 1990s, was known to many as “Mr. Tottenham.” After receiving a deal that would have made him the highest-paid Watcher in the team’s history, Campbell decided to switch allegiances and joined bitter rivals Arsenal on a free transfer in 2001. This naturally stirred because he had previously declared in a Spurs magazine that he would never Watch for Arsenal. Even after ten years, he is still regarded as one of the biggest engPremierLeague football traitors and is still called “Judas” by Spurs supporters.
