Most Outrageous Red Card Incidents in EPL History

The English Premier League is often highlighted as the most entertaining league in the world. However, while it generates the most money worldwide out of all the top European leagues, it isn’t just that sole factor that makes it entertaining.

The unpredictable seasons often have unforeseen twists, turns, and dramatic endings, and the domestic cup competitions are more similar. Where there is drama and excitement, yellow and red cards follow closely. There are plenty of ridiculous and outrageous red cards to select from – it’s our job to see if we can narrow it down and choose the top five.

Paolo Di Caino – Sheffield Wednesday Vs Arsenal 1998

Although Di Canio had already received a red card, his reaction to the dismissal caused shocking headlines throughout the footballing community. Whilst you may expect to see this level of edge-of-your-seat drama while playing online slots, doing a skydive, or watching a gripping action movie, a mundane game between Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal is the last place you’d expect to see it.

After receiving his marching orders from the referee Paul Alcock, Di Casino pushed the referee to the floor and received an 11-match ban for his deplorable behavior. Twenty-five years later, it is an incident that is still discussed, and it is one of the few times in professional football where a player has floored a referee.

Kieron Dyer & Lee Bowyer – Newcastle Vs Villa 2005

Newcastle was under the guidance of Graeme Souness in the mid-2000s and was going through a rocky patch. For example, in a home game against Aston Villa, they were losing 3-0 and were already down to 10 men as the game was nearing its conclusion.

Suddenly, Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer became embroiled in a fistfight in the center of the pitch. Despite being on the same team, they had to be split up by opposition team members. It was an unsettling incident and marred a dark day for The Magpies as they finished the game with eight men on the pitch.

We probably could have ranked them individually, but we will keep them together as it was the same incident.

Eric Cantona – Crystal Palace Vs Man United 1995

Selhurst Park was the backdrop for what many believe could be the most outrageous red card incident in the history of the EPL. In January 1995, Eric Cantona had already received a red card, and as he was returning to the changing room, a Crystal Palace fan decided to launch a tirade of abuse at the Frenchman.

What was said, or how it was said, later became irrelevant as Cantona launched a flying karate kick in the direction of the bemused fan. Again, this was an incident that grabbed headlines worldwide and is something that still follows Eric around, despite the incredible success he had throughout his career.

The mercurial Frenchman wasn’t known for his cheery disposition, but even this was a spectacular reaction to what is commonplace in the English game. Of course, that’s not to say it is acceptable, but professionals often face levels of vitriol and don’t let it impact their game, which made the incident even more perplexing.

Jamie Carragher Vs Arsenal – January 2002

In a fiercely contested cup game, Jamie Carragher was on the sideline taking a throw-in for Liverpool. An Arsenal fan took the opportunity to throw a coin at him, and Jamie decided it would be wise to turn around and throw it back into the Highbury crowd.

Due to the crazy heat-of-the-moment move, Liverpool finished the game with ten men, and amazingly, it was the third red card dished out in that game. Carragher later apologized for this lapse in concentration and judgment. However, he wears his heart on his sleeve, and there are several examples of when it has benefitted him as a player and caused controversy as a pundit.

Still, the fact a professional footballer deemed it suitable to throw a coin back into a terrace full of men, women, and children is baffling, even 20 years later.

Roy Keane Vs Manchester City – April 2001

Of all the outrageous and shocking red cards, we have decided to place Roy Keane at the top of the pile. This isn’t because it’s any more bizarre or dramatic than some of the other dismissals we have looked at. Instead, the challenge’s intent was highly sinister, and the seriousness of this incident often goes overlooked.

Alfie Haaland, the Father of Erling, had accused Keane of feigning injury in a game between Leeds and Man Utd years earlier. Keane didn’t forget this moment and went out of his way to end the Norwegian’s career with a horrific knee-high, studs showing challenge that did precisely that.

The fact Keane would sit on this rather throwaway incident for so long shows that he was a man with a fearsome and scary reputation. Although he has mellowed in retirement, he was a dangerous midfielder and often found himself in some tough midfield battles.

See More:

• Fastest Red Cards in English Football
• Most Red Cards In Premier League History
• Player with most red cards in Premier League this season
• Managers to receive yellow and red cards in this season