See our tough tackling XI who definitely aren’t shy of a booking or two…
In the wake of Diego Costa’s conduct in last night’s League Cup semi-final match at Stamford Bridge, Caughtoffside have put together an XI of the dirtiest ever Premier League players.
SEE MORE:
Diego Costa’s Most Controversial Career Moments After Chelsea Star’s Double Stamp Against Liverpool
Chelsea Boss Mourinho Hits Out At Jamie Redknapp Over Diego Costa ‘Stamp Campaign’
Here’s who we’ve gone for…
Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel
Once said he was too violent to play outfield, the Manchester United man mountain was no stranger to a booking.
Right back: Danny Mills
Tough tackling defender turned TV pundit, Danny Mills’ name was known by referees up and down the country.
Centre back: Tomas Repka
Repka notoriously struggled with his temperament and received a total of 19 red cards during his career ,and even attacked a match official and a TV cameraman on one occasion.
Centre back: Martin Keown
Keown will forever be remembered for his ‘altercation’ with Ruud van Nistelrooy after his penalty miss against the Gunners in 2003 and with six reds and 56 yellows he makes the cut for the dirtiest team.
Left back: Ben Thatcher
Gained notoriety for his elbow on Pedro Mendes while playing for Manchester City in 2006 but disciplinary issues his entire career.
Right midfield: Joey Barton
Controversy has followed Joey Barton’s career around for years. The most high-profile incident was probably his on-pitch meltdown at former club Manchester City, for which he received a 12 game ban.
Centre midfield: Roy Keane
The Irishman was known for his tough tackling and admitted to pre-meditating a challenge which left Manchester City defender Alf-Inge Haaland with a broken leg.
Centre midfield: Paul Scholes
Gained a reputation throughout his career after a series of mistimed challenges, including one on Middlesbrough’s Doriva which earned him a three match ban. Sublimely talented, but Scholes’s tackling sadly often let him down.
Left midfield: Lee Cattermole
The top flight’s current most card-happy star. Eight red cards and many more yellows have earned Lee Cattermole a place in this XI. A truly terrible disciplinary record for the Black Cats skipper.
Striker: John Fashanu
One of the game’s serious hard men who left many defenders battered and bruised, including Gary Mabbutt of Spurs who was left with a fractured skull after tangling with Fash.
Striker: Diego Costa
Came to the Premier League with a reputation of questionable conduct which is proving justified after he stamped on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel in the League Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge last night. He’s been charged by the FA, and a ban likely awaits.