Though we might admonish them in public, secretly the on-pitch football meltdown can be as entertaining, if not more so, than an actual goal. Something about the explosion of emotion that ensues in a meltdown, especially with the whole world watching, makes for a fascinating spectacle.
Here are 11 of the best on-pitch football meltdowns. As we all know, you're not you when you're hungry. How many of these iconic moments of madness could have been avoided if the footballer in question had just had a Snickers?
1. Gianluigi Buffon V Real Madrid
The most recent meltdown on the list, made even more astounding as it was legend of the game Gianluigi Buffon, who lost the rag after Real Madrid were awarded a penalty in the dying moments of their Champions League quarter final with Juventus. The 40-year-old stopper was incandescent with rage as he swarmed referee Michael Oliver, eventually seeing red for his heated exchange with Oliver. What was even more incredulous however was Buffon's refusal to apologise for his actions in the days after the match, accusing Oliver of having a 'trash can for a heart'.
2. Di Canio V Arsenal
Paolo Di Canio is no stranger to on pitch meltdowns. The fiery Italian once demanded to be substituted when playing for West Ham after a series of penalty decisions went against him. Here, he completely lost the run of himself, pushing over Paul Alcock after the referee gave him his marching orders. The Italian would receive an 11 match ban for his actions.
3. Didier Drogba V Barcelona
After a string of decisions by referee Henning Ovrebo went against Chelsea in their semi-final exit to Barcelona, with the injustice getting the better of Didier Drogba. After the final whistle sounded the Ivory Coast international chastised the ref as he went down the tunnel after the game. The striker also ranted at the cameras claiming that the actions of the officials were 'a fucking disgrace'.
4. Eric Cantona V Crystal Palace
Man United talisman Eric Cantona received an eight month ban for assaulting a Crystal Palace fan with a kung-fu kick following a sending off. One of the most iconic moments from one of the most controversial figures in the Premier League, but however abhorrent his actions were, they did give rise to this excellent ad for Nike upon the Frenchman's return to action:
5. Temuri Ketsbaia V Advertising Hoarding
We all love a good angry celebration, but the intensity shown here from Newcastle's Temur Ketsbaia goes slightly overboard after his last minute goal sealed victory against Bolton Wanderers in 1998. The Georgian has since admitted his regret at his over zealous antics to the Daily Mail in 2016:
Now I had this opportunity to express myself, and I did. But it is not something I like. I am upset that people remember me because of this. That is a great shame, I did so much more for the club.
I have never watched it back and never will do. I am not proud.
6. William Gallas V Birmingham
With Arsenal's title challenge faltering, the Gunners arrived at St. Andrews in 2008 in desperate need of a win. They would end up drawing the tie 2-2 after a last gasp penalty from James McFadden, but it was the histrionics of William Gallas that would live long in the memory. The Arsenal captain, when the penalty was given, sat in a huff at the other end of the pitch in tears, while McFadden slammed home to make sure that the spoils were shared.
7. Pepe V Getafe
Established head banger completely lost the rag in 2009, after Getafe captain Francisco Casquero took a tumble during a La Liga match. The centre back proceeded to kick Casquero off the ball twice, before trying to drag the Spaniard off the floor following his assault. Pepe would receive a ten match ban after the incident and the Portugese hasn't learned his lesson either, getting sent off for Besiktas in the Istanbul derby last night for another reckless challenge.
8. John Aldridge V Mexico
Due to an administrative error Ireland striker John Aldridge was not allowed to be substituted on to the field with Jack Charlton's men chasing the game against Mexico in the 1994 World Cup. Ruffled by his inability to enter the fray the Liverpool striker went on an expletive laden rant which has gone down as one of the most iconic moments of the tournament.
9. Kieron Dyer V Lee Bowyer
In 2005, Newcastle midfielders conspired to drag their club further into the mire by scrapping with themselves while 3-0 down to Aston Villa. Both players were sent off in one of the more absurd instances in the Premier League.
10. Brazilian Referee V Everyone
While you could spend all day looking at referee attacks in South America, this one is undoubtedly the most amusing. The ref shows a red to one of the players, and when said player tries to accost the official, he lashes out. What ensues is a minute long chase that is a Benny Hill soundtrack away from being a comic masterpiece.
11. Zidane V Italy
The biggest match in the world, one of the greatest players of all time, and a moment of madness. France and Italy were locked at one goal apiece in the first half of extra time in the 2006 World Cup final, when Zinedine Zidane confounded millions by inexplicably head butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. France's playmaker was duly sent off in the final match of his career, and Italy went on to win the match on penalties.
