9. The Battle of Santiago
Regarded as the most violent clash in World Cup history occurred when hosts Chile beat Italy in the group stage of the 1962 World Cup. The first foul occurred within 12 seconds of the kick-off.[1] Italy’s Giorgio Ferrini was sent off in the twelfth minute after a foul on Honorino Landa, but refused to leave the pitch and had to be dragged off by policemen. Landa retaliated with a punch few minutes later, but he was not sent off.
English referee Ken Ashton struggled to get a hold of the game, and overlooked a punch by Chilean Leonel Sánchez to Italian Mario David, which had come in retaliation for being fouled seconds earlier. When David kicked Sanchez in the head a few minutes later, he was sent off. More bones were broken, but in between two goals were scored and Chile somehow came out on top.