Football truly is the beautiful game and the likes of Xavi, Messi and Kaka are there as a constant reminder of that fact. Never was there a bigger justice to this cause than when Andre Iniesta smashed in the winning goal in the World Cup final as football ran out the winner, instead of the thuggery that were that tactics of the Dutch.
Nobody wants to see the game being played like that; didn’t we have enough with dirty Leeds in the 70s? Evidently not as more and more teams adopt a negative bullish approach to football matches. None of us want to lose the competitiveness from the game, but there comes a point when a line must be drawn. In light of thisSport.co.uk takes a look at Premiership players who often find themselves on the wrong side of that very line.
Nigel De Jong- Manchester City
The Dutchman is building a reputation for himself after he added Hatem Ben Arfa to his list of victims at the weekend; the young Frenchman’s season is all but over after De Jong’s challenge resulted in a double break of the leg and he’s not the only one to feel his wrath. Xabi Alonso has stud marks across his chest as a permanent reminder of his flying kick in the World Cup final, and Stuart Holden nearly didn’t make it to South Africa after De Jong fractured his fibula in a friendly match between Holland and the USA. However there was some justice this week as the midfielder was dropped from the national side as manager Bert Van Marwijik said: “I have a problem with the way Nigel needlessly looks to push the limit.” And Bert, you’re not the only one
Lee Cattermole- Sunderland
Repaid Steve Bruce’s faith in making him captain by getting himself sent off twice in two appearances. In fairness to him on these occasions it was more stupidity than maliciousness that saw him dismissed from the field. However the former Middlesbrough man has previous and one remembers a horror challenge on Habib Beye when the combative midfielder was at Wigan. In three seasons he has accumulated over 40 bookings and 3 red cards and his manager Steve Bruce is understandably concerned, saying: “He has to learn, and quick, otherwise his career is going to be blighted by his disciplinary record.”
Joey Barton- Newcastle United
This inclusion could well be a case of reputation proceeding reality and so far this season we have not seen the old hot-headed Barton. Nevertheless there’s still the chance that he does have it in the locker and let’s not forget his over the top lunge on Xabi Alonso (yes him again, has he offended someone?) which resulted in a red card and sped up the Toon’s descent to the lower divisions. It may be a case that this leopard has changed his spots but it would be a brave man to stake his last tenner on it.
Karl Henry- Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Wolves captain was heavily criticised after he reportedly targeted the man above him in the list in the game against Newcastle this season. In his favour the fact that he persistently fouled one of the most hated footballers in this country, meant that his actions went unnoticed. However his assault on Jordi Gomez in the game against Wigan brought his unacceptable behaviour to light. Mick McCarthy did not even attempt to defend his player and Henry will now sit out the next three games. One only hopes that the former Stoke man learns from this as nobody wants this style of football in our country.
Paul Robinson- Bolton Wanderers
With a distinct lack of skill or ability in his locker, you can hardly blame him for trying to negate these inadequacies by doubling his effort. However sometimes his exuberance goes too far and the result are wild and mistimed challenges. Abou Diaby knows this better than most after he somehow escaped from a studs first challenge without a broken leg. Years spent in the lower division have no doubt had an effect on the left back, but as Blackpool have proved, players of any ability can play good fair football.
Paul Scholes- Manchester United
The midfield genius has managed to cover up his poor challenges by producing brilliance on the field. The fact that we all agree he is the finest central midfielder of our generation does not excuse the rash challenges that he has made throughout his Premier League career. However if you don’t believe us here at Sport.co.uk then listen to the words of Arsene Wenger, who did not question his ability but reflecting on Scholes’ disciplinary record he said: “I'm sorry, for me he's not been fair. There's a little bit of a darker side in him. I don't like some things he does.”
El Hadji Diouf- Blackburn
It’s difficult to know where to start with the Senegalese striker and it seems like he could well have his own category after some of the shocking moments he has produced. His three red cards in English football have all been as a result of poor challenges and it highlights Diouf‘s extreme lack of respect for his fellow professional. Never was this more evident than when he spat in the face of Arjan de Zeeuw in 2004. The incident even had his own teammates speaking out against him; Gary Speed, his captain at Bolton at the time, said: “It's something that you can't defend. To be on the receiving end of that is probably the worst thing that can happen to you. It's something that nobody wants to see in football.” A true pro speaking about another who still it seems has an awful lot to learn.
Alan Smith- Newcastle United
We all know the scene- the full back running up the line in a counter attack and the centre forward is hot on his heels. The full back gets to the by-line and just as he is about to cross ‘Bang’ he is cleaned out by the attacker with what has become known as a forward’s challenge. Now strikers can be forgiven for these, as it’s their job to score goals not break up play. However spare a thought for forward turned defensive midfielder Alan Smith who lives out this scenario in just about every game he plays. An a excess amount of bookings have accumulated in his new position and you wonder how many more managers are going to be fooled into thinking he can actually play in that position.
Marouane Fellaini- Everton
Not an obvious dirt box but definitely worthy of his place in the list. Not a career awash with red cards but lucky escapes he has had a few. Earlier this season in the home game against Newcastle he was lucky to escape punishment after elbowing Mike Williamson in the face. And the red half of Liverpool is still fuming for his over the top tackle in the Merseyside derby. Still only 23, the Belgian has the chance to be a real player in the Premier League but he has to cut out these needless acts or he will be remembered more for his temperament than talent.
Ryan Shawcross- Stoke City
The Stoke captain may feel hard done to being in the list- but you can have a list like this without having at least one Stoke player. Fans at the Britannia will argue that there’s nothing wrong with a physical challenge and we all know they can accentuate their point the loudest. But was Shawcross’ challenge on Aaron Ramsey just physical or was it a statement of intent. There's no doubting that Shawcross is a good prospect and is likely to become a feature in the England side, but let’s not kid ourselves into thinking he’s an angel, no matter what Tony Pulis might tell you.
Nigel De Jong- Manchester City
The Dutchman is building a reputation for himself after he added Hatem Ben Arfa to his list of victims at the weekend; the young Frenchman’s season is all but over after De Jong’s challenge resulted in a double break of the leg and he’s not the only one to feel his wrath. Xabi Alonso has stud marks across his chest as a permanent reminder of his flying kick in the World Cup final, and Stuart Holden nearly didn’t make it to South Africa after De Jong fractured his fibula in a friendly match between Holland and the USA. However there was some justice this week as the midfielder was dropped from the national side as manager Bert Van Marwijik said: “I have a problem with the way Nigel needlessly looks to push the limit.” And Bert, you’re not the only one
Lee Cattermole- Sunderland
Repaid Steve Bruce’s faith in making him captain by getting himself sent off twice in two appearances. In fairness to him on these occasions it was more stupidity than maliciousness that saw him dismissed from the field. However the former Middlesbrough man has previous and one remembers a horror challenge on Habib Beye when the combative midfielder was at Wigan. In three seasons he has accumulated over 40 bookings and 3 red cards and his manager Steve Bruce is understandably concerned, saying: “He has to learn, and quick, otherwise his career is going to be blighted by his disciplinary record.”
Joey Barton- Newcastle United
This inclusion could well be a case of reputation proceeding reality and so far this season we have not seen the old hot-headed Barton. Nevertheless there’s still the chance that he does have it in the locker and let’s not forget his over the top lunge on Xabi Alonso (yes him again, has he offended someone?) which resulted in a red card and sped up the Toon’s descent to the lower divisions. It may be a case that this leopard has changed his spots but it would be a brave man to stake his last tenner on it.
Karl Henry- Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Wolves captain was heavily criticised after he reportedly targeted the man above him in the list in the game against Newcastle this season. In his favour the fact that he persistently fouled one of the most hated footballers in this country, meant that his actions went unnoticed. However his assault on Jordi Gomez in the game against Wigan brought his unacceptable behaviour to light. Mick McCarthy did not even attempt to defend his player and Henry will now sit out the next three games. One only hopes that the former Stoke man learns from this as nobody wants this style of football in our country.
Paul Robinson- Bolton Wanderers
With a distinct lack of skill or ability in his locker, you can hardly blame him for trying to negate these inadequacies by doubling his effort. However sometimes his exuberance goes too far and the result are wild and mistimed challenges. Abou Diaby knows this better than most after he somehow escaped from a studs first challenge without a broken leg. Years spent in the lower division have no doubt had an effect on the left back, but as Blackpool have proved, players of any ability can play good fair football.
Paul Scholes- Manchester United
The midfield genius has managed to cover up his poor challenges by producing brilliance on the field. The fact that we all agree he is the finest central midfielder of our generation does not excuse the rash challenges that he has made throughout his Premier League career. However if you don’t believe us here at Sport.co.uk then listen to the words of Arsene Wenger, who did not question his ability but reflecting on Scholes’ disciplinary record he said: “I'm sorry, for me he's not been fair. There's a little bit of a darker side in him. I don't like some things he does.”
El Hadji Diouf- Blackburn
It’s difficult to know where to start with the Senegalese striker and it seems like he could well have his own category after some of the shocking moments he has produced. His three red cards in English football have all been as a result of poor challenges and it highlights Diouf‘s extreme lack of respect for his fellow professional. Never was this more evident than when he spat in the face of Arjan de Zeeuw in 2004. The incident even had his own teammates speaking out against him; Gary Speed, his captain at Bolton at the time, said: “It's something that you can't defend. To be on the receiving end of that is probably the worst thing that can happen to you. It's something that nobody wants to see in football.” A true pro speaking about another who still it seems has an awful lot to learn.
Alan Smith- Newcastle United
We all know the scene- the full back running up the line in a counter attack and the centre forward is hot on his heels. The full back gets to the by-line and just as he is about to cross ‘Bang’ he is cleaned out by the attacker with what has become known as a forward’s challenge. Now strikers can be forgiven for these, as it’s their job to score goals not break up play. However spare a thought for forward turned defensive midfielder Alan Smith who lives out this scenario in just about every game he plays. An a excess amount of bookings have accumulated in his new position and you wonder how many more managers are going to be fooled into thinking he can actually play in that position.
Marouane Fellaini- Everton
Not an obvious dirt box but definitely worthy of his place in the list. Not a career awash with red cards but lucky escapes he has had a few. Earlier this season in the home game against Newcastle he was lucky to escape punishment after elbowing Mike Williamson in the face. And the red half of Liverpool is still fuming for his over the top tackle in the Merseyside derby. Still only 23, the Belgian has the chance to be a real player in the Premier League but he has to cut out these needless acts or he will be remembered more for his temperament than talent.
Ryan Shawcross- Stoke City
The Stoke captain may feel hard done to being in the list- but you can have a list like this without having at least one Stoke player. Fans at the Britannia will argue that there’s nothing wrong with a physical challenge and we all know they can accentuate their point the loudest. But was Shawcross’ challenge on Aaron Ramsey just physical or was it a statement of intent. There's no doubting that Shawcross is a good prospect and is likely to become a feature in the England side, but let’s not kid ourselves into thinking he’s an angel, no matter what Tony Pulis might tell you.
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