The top ten dirtiest players in the Premier League ever.
10. Paul Scholes
The former Man United legend is best remembered for his graceful passing, all encompassing vision and deft finishing in front of goal, however, he did have a dark side; he couldn’t tackle for toffee. During his distinguished one club career he amassed a surprising 95 yellow cards and two reds, proving that a quiet nature doesn’t always guarantee a quiet presence on the pitch.
9. Scott Parker
Maybe it’s more to do with the nature of his position as a midfielder battler that must protect his defence at any cost that has driven his yellow card count, but Parker has picked up cards wherever he has gone, and if injuries haven’t robbed him of game time then suspensions have done the trick instead. Not a dirty player by nature, but his full blooded approach has cost him 88 yellow cards and two reds.
8. Jonas Olsson
If you ever find yourself watching West Brom, and all of a sudden there is a fracas on the pitch, chances are the big Swede is at the centre of it. Known to have a robust personality, he doesn’t seem to get on with anybody very well and he has already collected nine yellow cards this season, making him the dirtiest player based in the Premier League this term.
7. Ashley Young
Young isn’t a violent or reckless player by any means, but his trick is deception as he often thinks nothing of shamelessly flinging himself to the ground to pull the wool over the referee’s eyes. Diving was something he did frequently whilst with Aston Villa, but was only truly highlighted once he had a bigger spotlight at United. And so shameless are his antics that he even dived against his former side and a whole host of public derision has done little to dissuade him from carrying on.
6. Vinnie Jones
The original Premier League hard man was always having run ins with referees and suspensions were as much a part of his game as his tough tackling. He remains the record holder for the fastest red card when he clattered into Sheffield United’s Dane Whitehouse after only three seconds and during his time at Wimbledon was landed with a fine for attempting to release a video instructing fellow hard men on how to effectively inflict as much damage as possible on the sly.
5. Nicky Butt
Butt was a part of the famous “Class of ’92” to come out of Manchester United’s academy, but for all of his positive attributes he could also be slightly boisterous in the tackle, which would frequently land him in trouble with the authorities. With 76 yellows and four reds, the red mist never seemed to escape him, but luckily he will be remembered for much more than his poor disciplinary record.
4. Lee Bowyer
A player so dirty he even picked a fight with a teammate. He had always been known for his own special brand of cynical could play and his disciplinary record leaves a lot to be desired. However, it is his one act of madness whilst at Newcastle that will tarnish him for the rest of his days as his contorted face being dragged away by Gareth Barry will be forever etched into fans minds.
3. Lee Cattermole
Cattermole is frequently credited as a ‘tough competitor’ as he has already notched up 29 yellow cards since making his debut in 2006. “What’s that, 29 you say? That’s not bad,” well, no, but when that is pairs with five yellow cards, two of which were attained in quick succession while at Sunderland then that paints an entirely differently picture.
2. Roy Keane
Possibly the most fearsome player that the Premier League has ever known; players knew what kind of an afternoon they were in for when they stepped on the pitch with the Irish international, and the only blemish on an otherwise successful career are his 71 yellow cards and five reds. One of which was earned by a career threatening tackle on Manchester City’s Alfie-Inge Haaland.
1. Ryan Shawcross
Even though by comparison to the rest on this list, his 37 yellow cards do not appear to be so bad, and this three reds (two of which were attained during the same season) are about on par with for a central defender, it was his horror tackle on Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey that puts him at the top of the list. Breaking the young Welshman’s leg, Ramsey saw his Arsenal career put in doubt just because of the recklessness of the Stoke stopper.