Top 6 Craziest World Football Bans and Suspensions Ever

The craziest football bans and suspensions are often born out of the ludicrous running of the governing bodies of World and European football—FIFA and UEFA. However, some of these suspensions carry more of a story than just a simple red card.

One of the more appropriate stories, however, does not make the list. Zinedine Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup final will not be included due to his immediate retirement from the game.

Robin Van Persie Sent off in the Nou Camp

It's hard to see what exactly Massimo Busacca was thinking when he issued Robin van Persie his second yellow for striking the ball at goal a mere second following the whistle.

The noise in the Nou Camp that night, coupled with the fact that the player struck the ball instantly upon receiving a pass meant there was no way for van Persie to react to a whistle.

That night it seemed Busacca was hell-bent on dismissing an Arsenal player early, something which has since spilt over into this season with manager Arsene Wenger receiving a total three-game ban.

Eduardo da Silva vs. Celtic

What were UEFA thinking when they decided to dish out a two-match ban to Eduardo for apparently “deceiving” the referee to win a penalty?

Eduardo bore down on goal in the Champions League qualifier between Arsenal and Celtic, and looking to round ‘keeper Artur Boruc, was clipped by the Pol resulting in the striker going to ground.

The referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot, but the real fallout came after the two-legged tie had finished. The Scottish club were incensed by the actions of the Arsenal striker and demanded UEFA take action.

To their stupidity they complied and handed the player a two-match ban. However, the ruling was overturned once UEFA realised the can of worms they’d be opening, and the case was put to rest.

Needless to say, it was a very long time before Arsenal got a penalty again.

Pepe’s 10-Game Ban

In a match against Getafe, Real Madrid defender, Pepe, brought down Javier Casquero in the penalty area. What ensued was just madness on the part of Pepe as he twice kicked the downed midfielder, and then proceeded to hit another Getafe player in the face.

The resulting 10-game ban ended Pepe’s season.

Didier Drogba vs. Tom Henning Ovrebo

Didier Drogba was certainly right when he labelled Tom Henning Ovrebo’s refereeing decisions in Chelsea’s game against Barcelona “a disgrace.” Drogba’s tirade following his confrontation with the referee resulted in a six-game European ban.

The real victims were Chelsea, of course, who were denied a number of penalties along with refereeing decisions that seemed heavily in favour of the European champions.

Maradona’s Managerial Outburst

Following an extremely difficult campaign to get Argentina to the World Cup finals in South Africa, Maradona unleashed his anger in front of live television cameras, an outburst laced with expletives.

Maradona went on to later say that he regretted his decisions, but was nevertheless given a two-month ban from the touchline.

The Battle of Old Trafford

A rivalry at its peak and players who were more than capable of giving as good as they got, The Battle of Old Trafford saw players from both Manchester United and Arsenal pick up suspensions and fines.

Martin Keown was given a three-game ban for attacking Ruud Van Nistelrooy following the Dutchman’s missed penalty. Ashley Cole, Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour were also suspended for their involvement in a post-match bust-up.