Football often seems to carry something of a soft stigma within the realms of the sporting world. As the modern-game embraces the antics of part-time thespians rolling around the pitch and sneering softies waving around imaginary yellow cards, the pampered millionaire footballer of the 21st century doesn’t exactly seem like a man who thrives upon confrontation.
But just because they’re a dying breed, it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. Oh no.
Because for these men, their confrontation knows simply no boundaries whatsoever. For them, there is no fight or flight. Football stadia are viewed as their very own Roman Colosseum and training grounds are arenas to cause untold physical damage. The only massage you’ll get in their dressing rooms is a chinese burn.
So sit back and rejoice the 15 most controversial confrontations in football. The associated sins range from kicks to the craniums of teammates, brawls with fishermen in quaint Scottish pubs to launching a sharp pair of utensils at one another in the changing room. A dying breed indeed.
Click on Duncan Ferguson to unveil the 15
[divider]
Have I missed any big ones out? Or have you seen something that has given you the red mist? Go toe-to-toe with me Lee Bowyer style on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and tell me your favourites.