Moments of ecstasy and bliss are ten-a-penny in sport; we see them every day and quite honestly, they get a little boring. Luckily for us, athletes worship a fickle mistress. Tempers are tested, emotions are frayed and managers lose their shit – sometimes quite spectacularly.
The heat of the moment can be too much to bear, especially for those who have to suffer through a season of torment, never touching a ball, only to see their team crash out at the crucial stage. The managers role is one of abject frustration. We've collated some prime examples of times when that frustration got too much to bear; when it became time to wade in.
1 - Dragan Stoijkovic Sent To The Stands For Scoring A Wonder Goal.
Dragan Stojkovic? Head Coach at Nagoya Grampus Eight, scored this stunning 40 yard goal from the touch-line before the referee sent him to the stands. The Yugoslavian Legend played for Marseille before being managed at Nagoya by Arsene Wenger. He also played alongside Gary Lineker.
2 - Van Gundy Attaches Himself To His Alonzo Mourning's Leg.
This incident perfectly encapsulates the sense of frustration a manager is forced to endure. Jeff Van Gundy knew he didn't stand a chance when a melee broke between 6 + ft NBA stars . But he was incensed. He attached himself like a rabid terrier to the nearest available leg, before holding on for dear life.
#3 - Mike Tomlin Cheeky Interference.
This is a slightly subtler, yet cheekier incident. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin 'accidentally' stepped in front of Baltimore Ravens' Jacoby Jones.
#4 - Woody Hayes Punches College Player In The Throat
If Mike Tomlin was subtle in his approach, Woody Hayes was his polar opposite. In December 1978 - losing by two points - with a little more than two minutes left in the Gator Bowl, Charlie Bauman was knocked out-of-bounds. An irate Coach Woody Hayes decided to punch him in the throat. He was fired and never coached again.
This wasn't the first incident involving Hayes or his explosive right hook - he'll also be remembered for punching a camera-man - who got a little too close.
#5 - Coach Donald Dicks Flattens Tim Riggins (Friday Night Lights)
You probably remember the actor who plays coach Donald Dicks, from classics such as Spy Kids 2, or 22 hours. Here is his finest moment.
