When Managers Attack! Top 5 Punch-Ups

on February 10, 2015 at 10:41 am

To Be Relegated

Outright Betting

In special tribute to ex-Navy Seal, Bear Grylls-wannabe and general all-round tough guy, Nigel Pearson, we’ve put together a list of the most notorious scraps between managers and just about everyone else.

Delio Rossi v Adem Ljajic, 2012
Then Fiorentina manager and player, Delio Rossi and Adem Ljajic – now at Roma – had the mother of all touchline scraps when the Viola coach substituted the Serbian after just 32 minutes. Ljajic wasn’t best pleased and let his manager know only for the Italian to lose the plot, swinging wildly at the youngster. Marvellous.

Alan Pardew v David Meyler, 2014
It wouldn’t be a list of footballing bust-ups if it didn’t include Alan Pardew, would it? The former Newcastle manager took umbrage to a slight shove from Ireland international David Meyler by squaring up and sticking the nut on the former Cork City player to everyone’s absolute amazement. You stay classy, Alan.

Paulo Di Canio v Leon Clarke, 2011
Remember when Paolo Di Canio, the madcap Italian, was a football manager? His brief and ultimately successful stint at League One side Swindon was overshadowed somewhat by madcap antics, exemplified in a nutshell by this particular incident. No one was quite sure what the row was over but the former Sunderland manager certainly wasn’t happy with his striker and let him know.

Jose Mourinho v Tito Vilanova, 2011
This particular incident was rather unsavoury. We’re all for a good scrap but it has to be a fair fight, right? In an El Clasico between Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, a huge bust-up ensued with players and staff of all sides involved in one huge melee. In from the flank comes Mourinho who slyly gouges at Tito Vilanova, Guardiola’s assistant.

Umit Ozat v Pitch-invading fan, 2011
The Turks love a good scrap, don’t they? If they’re not bathing or making funny-tasting chocolate bars, they’re fighting. Then Ankaragucu manager Umit Ozat goes H.A.M on his own supporter after the rogue fan decides to take matters into his own hands. Ozat completely loses it, punching and stamping on the poor lad. Unbelievable Scenes!