Following Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial red card for Juventus on Wednesday, we look at the five most infamous dismissals.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League debut for Juventus quickly turned into a nightmare as he received a contentious red card against Valencia on Wednesday, but it was a fairly tame incident compared to some more infamous dismissals.
Ronaldo, who joined Juventus for €112million in July, clashed with Valencia's Jeison Murillo on the edge of the box in the 29th minute of the Serie A champions' 2-0 win.
Murillo went tumbling and Ronaldo, seemingly irritated by a perceived exaggerated fall, appeared to grab the Colombian's hair, sparking a response and the subsequent red card.
It could yet lead to a three-match ban that would prevent him from facing former side Manchester United.
Some suggested the sending off was harsh, while others believe a lengthy sanction would be justified – but one thing is clear; it pales in comparison to some of football's more notorious sendings off...
Steven Gerrard vs Manchester United, March 2015
Clashes between Liverpool and Man United are rarely uneventful and Gerrard made sure his final such match followed a similar pattern. Just 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute, the Reds captain launched himself at Ander Herrera, sinking his studs into the Spaniard's leg in a gruesome tackle. A red card was the least he could have expected, and ultimately his final match against Liverpool's arch enemy ended in a 2-1 defeat.
Eric Cantona vs Crystal Palace, January 1995
In an otherwise unremarkable Premier League match, Cantona produced a moment of madness that will likely never be forgotten in English football. It remains unclear as to what someone said to the Frenchman, but something pressed his button and he flipped out in remarkable fashion. Cantona turned towards the stand behind one of the goals and unleashed a flying 'kung-fu' kick at a Crystal Palace fan. United and the Football Association (FA) both suspended him, while he was also found guilty of assault - his sentence of two weeks in prison decreased to 120 hours of community service.
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Gianluigi Buffon vs Real Madrid, April 2018
In last season's Champions League quarter-finals, Juventus were dumped out right at the death because of a controversial late penalty. Furious with the decision, Buffon led the protests, visibly shouting in referee Michael Oliver's face as Juve players surrounded him. The referee then produced the red card for the incensed Italian. Ronaldo's penalty subsequently ended the goalkeeper's Champions League career with Juve, while a post-match outburst made arguably the ugliest moment in Buffon's career even more deplorable.
David Beckham vs Argentina, June 1998
Despite starting the 1998 World Cup as a substitute, a couple of impressive cameos - including a trademark free kick against Colombia - saw Beckham force his way into Glenn Hoddle's starting XI to face Argentina in the last 16. But early in the second half, he lost his cool. Diego Simeone fouled Beckham and fell on top of him, then getting up slowly. The England midfielder, who was still prone, flicked his leg up and caught Simeone on the calf, to which he reacted by tumbling to the floor. Out came the red card for Beckham, England were eliminated on penalties and the country's next great talent faced months of vilification.
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Zinedine Zidane vs Italy, July 2006
The 2006 World Cup should have been Zidane's crowning tournament. Heading into retirement, the France star had been a leading light in his team's passage to the final. With the two sides tied at 1-1 in extra-time, Marco Materazzi appeared to say something to Zidane. The former Juve midfielder turned around and extraordinarily headbutted the Italy defender in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground and earning Zidane an early exit. Italy went on to lift the trophy, while Zidane never played professional football again.
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Do you know any other notorious sending off? Nominate yours in this comment area!
Runningman
120
How about Sol Campbell’s famous red card vs Solskjær at Highbury?
lifesoga
119
In my mind, Luis Suarez's handiwork in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal against Ghana is the most notorious one. His actions were one of a kind in terms of a red card offense, and in trying out his goalkeeping skills he produced one of the game's most memorable red cards.
Hanaenpsty
106
No one is perfect, even referee are human being, they can make many mistakes. so that we must accept this situation.
Derobect
76
what about pepe's red card vs Germany 2014 WC?
childhood
62
Laurent Blanc was another player who fell prey to his opponents scheming, this being in a World Cup semifinal no less. Slaven Bilic showed some nice acting skills to ensure that the French defender was sent off but it didn't help Croatia win the game in the end. To be fair, Blanc didn't do himself any favors by raising his hands in his tussle with Bilic, but was still unfortunate to be on the end of the referee's incorrect decision.
Nesaiknruy
43
Why are people hyping up this Ronaldo red card. Its not even a top 10 notable. The most notable one till date was when Zidane fked up by headbutting Materazzi in the 2006 world cup final and costing his country the trophy despite being possibly the best player of that tournament.
Rabuti
42
For Cantona looking at fact that he kicked a fan just like Evra 😂😂😂
naked
41
Simunic was the recipient of three yellow cards before being given his red card in a 2006 World Cup group game against Australia. The Croatian defender was given his first yellow card in the 61st minute, received a second in the 90th minute, and a third after the game ended. It was not until his third card, given for dissent, did Graham Poll actually give him his marching orders.
Zulu1234
35
Difference is ronaldo got his crying like a girl while, zidane and cantona got theirs like men 😂😂😂
Fitadklr
34
Why is Ronaldo's red card be different, there have been so many red card decisions like that. So let uefa handle their matter.