We rank the top five bust-ups between football teammates, after Monday evening’s clash…
Kevin Mirallas’ controversial penalty miss was the highlight of Monday’s 0-0 draw between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park, after the Belgian snubbed regular spot kick taker Leighton Baines.
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Reports on BBC Sport confirm that the Belgian took it upon himself to take responsibility for the penalty, only to see his effort strike the outside of the post. Mirallas was replace at half-time, although manager Roberto Martinez later revealed that his withdrawal was caused by injury.
While Baines was unlikely to have been impressed by his teammate’s actions, their bust-up falls short in comparison to these five major on field clashes – via TalkSport – which have all involved Premier League teams:
5) Ricardo Fuller v Andy Griffin (Stoke City)
In 2008, with Stoke losing to West Ham, Fuller slapped Griffin across the face following an argument over a Carlton Cole goal. The striker was banned for three matches and fined £20,000 for his efforts.
4) Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal)
The Arsenal pair clashed with their team trailing Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 at White Hart Lane. Adebayor aimed a headbutt at the Dane, who he later accused of showing a lack of respect by wearing trainers in the dressing room.
3) Graeme Le Saux v David Batty (Blackburn Rovers)
Back in 1995, with Blackburn playing Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, Batty was annoyed by Le Saux taking the ball off him and giving away a throw-in. Batty’s subsequent harsh words led to the full-back lashing out, breaking his hand in the process.
2) Craig Bellamy v John Arne Riise (Liverpool)
This incident initially occurred off the field, when Bellamy confronted Riise with a golf club after an argument on a team bonding trip. The on the field element occurred a few days later, celebrating with a mock golf swing after scoring against Barcelona in the Champions League.
1) Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United)
A 50,000-strong home crowd at St. James’ Park after two of their own players came to blows. With Newcastle losing 3-0 to Aston Villa, Bowyer took exception to Dyer not passing him the ball. The pair had to be pried apart by Gareth Barry and both were swiftly sent-off.
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