Top 5: Dirtiest Footballers

Football is called the "beautiful game" but unfortunately it's not applicable in all situations and to all players.

Sometimes the game is marred by idiotic fans who run down the pitch and disrupt the play. On other occasions these fans hurl abuse at the players who give it their best on the field.

The worst of the fan trouble is when the fans turn violent and attack other fans or try to harm the players. What they need to understand is that the sport they love so much wouldn't exist if it weren't for those players and the clubs wouldn't exist if it weren't for the fans, so stop with the violence and abuse.

Then there are the players who spoil the image of the game by being utterly aggressive on the pitch which isn't necessary in most cases but go too far.

So how about we list down some of the dirtiest players who have played recently. By dirty I mean a player with bad tackles and rash challenges rather than a player who would dive and cheat.

Let's get on with it then, the five players you wouldn't want to play against or if you do, you hope you play on an entirely different position where they can't touch you.

Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan and Italy)

This feisty Italian has a weird, weird sense of motivation. He looks like he's part of the Italian mafia and can be described as made of bricks.

Nicknamed as the "Rino" and rightly so. The link to the following video would leave you in no doubt that you better watch out if you see them playing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fErLv80S4rs

Roy Keane (former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland)

Former Manchester United captain famous for his tunnel and then on the pitch fight with then Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in 2006 and his personal duel with Ireland manager Mick McCarthy over in South Korea-Japan during the World Cup showed his on the pitch and off the pitch aggressiveness.

The following video is a great watch. (Courtesy : Dirty Tackle)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AYeY1aAnhk

Robbie Savage (Former Brighton Hove and Albion and Wales)

A player with a long career in the Premiership and the accolade of receiving the most number of yellow cards in the Premier League (90). Despite that huge number of yellow cards, shockingly he's been only sent off twice.

Hated by many for his simulation and antics of getting opposition players booked. A player who was head-butted by Dion Dublin after a confrontation between the two players which got the whole team involved.

In the funny incident below where Savage gets knocked down by the referee's elbow!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK4ixm798Zk

Eric Cantona (Former Manchester United and France)

Eric Cantona, brilliant footballer. Referred to as "King Eric" by Manchester United fans and neutral football fans alike. Magical with the ball and ability to score from anywhere around the box.

However, his arrogance and bad temper led him to a hefty ban when he attacked a Crystal Palace fan (pictured above). Among the many incidences he attacked his fellow team players and publicly insulted the French national team coach.
Catch the video of Cantona's bad tackles and goals below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbILO1OqgD8

Joey Barton (Newcastle United and England)

Joey Barton who has been more trouble off the pitch rather than on the pitch for all the teams that he's represented.

A player with loads of potential but lack of brains. He attacked his own teammate when he was with Manchester City and has had numerous jail records and court appearances to show off rather than the number of goals scored.

Now part of a relegated Newcastle United and history of a red card when he last played against Liverpool won't do him any good for the future.

Video of his attack on Sunderland's Etuhu below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlz5tO1F9JI

Leave Comments Please!

Who do you think is the dirtiest of the five? Or would you rather suggest someone who I missed out..? Leave a comment!