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Goal.com Special: Mark van Bommel & The 10 Players Fans Love To Hate
A rundown of football's most infuriating characters
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Jul 12, 2010 3:27:00 PM
By Matt Monaghan
Football is supposed to the beautiful game, but Mark van Bommel's snarling performance for the Netherlands at World Cup 2010 never made it look as ugly.
The Bayern Munich hatchet man fouled his way through the tournament as the Dutch came within minutes of lifting the trophy. Such cynicism is nothing new, however.
For every Pele there has been a van Bommel or Juergen Klinsmann eager to hack or dive their way to success. Some of the sport's finest ever players have been more than happy to lean on the dark arts to claw themselves to the top.
Goal.com UK looked at the star men who are loved and loathed in equal measure...
Dirtiest moment: Serial play-acting at the 1990 World Cup
Famous for provoking Argentina's rage in the 1990 World Cup final after rolling his way to a red card for Pedro Monzon, his reputation preceded him as he moved to Tottenham Hotspur four years later.
His position as a terrace villain was quickly eroded as he charmed his way into the hearts of English supporters with his famous 'diving' celebration on his debut.
This show of personality helped his feats as one of the most feared strikers of modern times come back into focus and this was only helped by the swashbuckling Germany team he crafted as head coach for the World Cup in 2006.
Dirtiest moment: Using every trick in the book to mark Diego Maradona in the 1982 World Cup
Dirtiest moment: Getting involved in an unseemly scuffle with Kevin Keegan in the 1974 Charity Shield. Yes, a charity match
Late tackles and slanging matches with referees were his forte as the Yorkshire club stamped their influence on the sport in the 1960s and 1970s.
For all the scandal, his quality as one of the first box-to-box footballers cannot be disputed. From the heart of a side that came from the Second Division to claim two top flight titles, he snatched 90 goals in 587 league appearances and is a member of the Scottish and English Hall of Fames.
Dirtiest moment: Clattering through Andres Iniesta in the World Cup final. And that was just for starters
Dirtiest moment: Not content with leaving his wife to be with the wife of Thomas Strunz (a team-mate), he then went public with explicit photos of the two of them. John Terry, eat your heart out
Dirtiest moment: Provoking that headbutt from Zinedine Zidane. Few can be headbutted and still be the villain
The Bayern Munich hatchet man fouled his way through the tournament as the Dutch came within minutes of lifting the trophy. Such cynicism is nothing new, however.
For every Pele there has been a van Bommel or Juergen Klinsmann eager to hack or dive their way to success. Some of the sport's finest ever players have been more than happy to lean on the dark arts to claw themselves to the top.
Goal.com UK looked at the star men who are loved and loathed in equal measure...
11. JUERGEN KLINSMANN | Germany
Dirtiest moment: Serial play-acting at the 1990 World CupFamous for provoking Argentina's rage in the 1990 World Cup final after rolling his way to a red card for Pedro Monzon, his reputation preceded him as he moved to Tottenham Hotspur four years later.
His position as a terrace villain was quickly eroded as he charmed his way into the hearts of English supporters with his famous 'diving' celebration on his debut.
This show of personality helped his feats as one of the most feared strikers of modern times come back into focus and this was only helped by the swashbuckling Germany team he crafted as head coach for the World Cup in 2006.
10. CLAUDIO GENTILE | Italy
Dirtiest moment: Using every trick in the book to mark Diego Maradona in the 1982 World CupNo nation has become more adept at underhand tactics than Italy and Gentile was the enforcer in one of the greatest sides in the nation's history.
Flitting between midfield and defence, the Juventus icon put the blood, sweat and tears into the 1982 World Cup-winning side.
Such was his quality, that he was able to shut Diego Maradona out of a group meeting in the tournament and his return for the final against West Germany was crucial. Despite only receiving one red card in his career, the shin bones of most attackers bore testament to the physical nature of his play.
Dirtiest moment: Celebrating wildly in front of Liverpool fans after a last-minute winner for Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2006
Dirtiest moment: Winking at Wayne Rooney's expense at World Cup 2006
While Lionel Messi is universally adored, the equally talented Ronaldo has faced as much ridicule as acclaim regardless of his world-class quality. Capable of soaring to the heights of breathtaking goals and sinking to unacceptable play-acting in the same minute, the Portuguese splits opinion like no other.
His position as the holder of the record transfer fee of £80 million when he moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United proves his talent. Being booed by supporters in the World Cup 2006 semi-final against France after the infamous 'wink' at Wayne Rooney in the game before showed his propensity for intolerable gamesmanship.
7. DIEGO MARADONA | Argentina
Dirtiest moment: The Hand of God. Enough said
Dirtiest moment: Being sent off in the first game of the 2000-01 season for Arsenal. And the second
Arsenal have forged a reputation as purveyors of wonderful football, but Vieira added the steel necessary to make them champions. As the fighting spirit in the undefeated Premier League winning 'Invincibles' side in 2003/04, the 107-times capped France international was the finest defensive midfielder in the game.
This ability saw him boss matches with ease and the Gunners have not won a single trophy since his exit in 2005. The current Manchester City player is less fondly remembered for his pitch battles with Manchester United's Roy Keane and 12 red cards throughout a career that has also taken him to Cannes, AC Milan, Juventus and Inter.
Dirtiest moment: 'Marking' his Rangers debut with a thigh-high challenge on a Hibs player and getting sent off after just 34 minutes. "My boot ran up his leg," was the defence
As the hard man for Liverpool's all-conquering side of the 70s and early 80s, Souness showed a propensity for the vile and sublime. The sport was war for the Scottish international and he took no prisoners once he stepped onto the pitch.
While the knee high tackles and studs up challenges left their mark on any player that got in his way, his ability as a midfield general was unsurpassed. Liverpool's 15 major honours during his time at the club pay tribute to his inspirational quality.
Flitting between midfield and defence, the Juventus icon put the blood, sweat and tears into the 1982 World Cup-winning side.
Such was his quality, that he was able to shut Diego Maradona out of a group meeting in the tournament and his return for the final against West Germany was crucial. Despite only receiving one red card in his career, the shin bones of most attackers bore testament to the physical nature of his play.
9. GARY NEVILLE | England
Dirtiest moment: Celebrating wildly in front of Liverpool fans after a last-minute winner for Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2006As the image of Sir Alex Ferguson on the football pitch, Neville has made few friends outside of Old Trafford during his glittering career. From celebrating in front of Liverpool supporters, to winding up opposition players at every opportunity, he has carved a niche as the Premier League's pantomime villain.
Decried by opposition supporters and booed at every away ground for his partisan nature, his quality as a right-back has often been overlooked. A plethora of trophies, 85 England caps and recognised as one of the best players in the world in his position during his pomp pays testament to his enduring quality.
Decried by opposition supporters and booed at every away ground for his partisan nature, his quality as a right-back has often been overlooked. A plethora of trophies, 85 England caps and recognised as one of the best players in the world in his position during his pomp pays testament to his enduring quality.
8. CRISTIANO RONALDO | Portugal
Dirtiest moment: Winking at Wayne Rooney's expense at World Cup 2006While Lionel Messi is universally adored, the equally talented Ronaldo has faced as much ridicule as acclaim regardless of his world-class quality. Capable of soaring to the heights of breathtaking goals and sinking to unacceptable play-acting in the same minute, the Portuguese splits opinion like no other.
His position as the holder of the record transfer fee of £80 million when he moved to Real Madrid from Manchester United proves his talent. Being booed by supporters in the World Cup 2006 semi-final against France after the infamous 'wink' at Wayne Rooney in the game before showed his propensity for intolerable gamesmanship.
7. DIEGO MARADONA | Argentina
Dirtiest moment: The Hand of God. Enough saidNever before or since has a player so regularly shown touches of the divine and devilish as Diego Maradona.
Rightly heralded as the only challenger to Pele as the finest player in history, his regular bouts of controversy have hindered his claims to be the greatest.
The defining moment in his career came in Argentina's World Cup 1986 quarter-final victory against England. After pulling off the most controversial goal in the tournament's history with his 'hand of God,' he then produced its most beautiful as he cut his way through the entire team to seal the result.
Rightly heralded as the only challenger to Pele as the finest player in history, his regular bouts of controversy have hindered his claims to be the greatest.
The defining moment in his career came in Argentina's World Cup 1986 quarter-final victory against England. After pulling off the most controversial goal in the tournament's history with his 'hand of God,' he then produced its most beautiful as he cut his way through the entire team to seal the result.
6. PATRICK VIEIRA | France
Dirtiest moment: Being sent off in the first game of the 2000-01 season for Arsenal. And the secondArsenal have forged a reputation as purveyors of wonderful football, but Vieira added the steel necessary to make them champions. As the fighting spirit in the undefeated Premier League winning 'Invincibles' side in 2003/04, the 107-times capped France international was the finest defensive midfielder in the game.
This ability saw him boss matches with ease and the Gunners have not won a single trophy since his exit in 2005. The current Manchester City player is less fondly remembered for his pitch battles with Manchester United's Roy Keane and 12 red cards throughout a career that has also taken him to Cannes, AC Milan, Juventus and Inter.
5. GRAEME SOUNESS | Scotland
Dirtiest moment: 'Marking' his Rangers debut with a thigh-high challenge on a Hibs player and getting sent off after just 34 minutes. "My boot ran up his leg," was the defenceAs the hard man for Liverpool's all-conquering side of the 70s and early 80s, Souness showed a propensity for the vile and sublime. The sport was war for the Scottish international and he took no prisoners once he stepped onto the pitch.
While the knee high tackles and studs up challenges left their mark on any player that got in his way, his ability as a midfield general was unsurpassed. Liverpool's 15 major honours during his time at the club pay tribute to his inspirational quality.
4. BILLY BREMNER | Scotland
Dirtiest moment: Getting involved in an unseemly scuffle with Kevin Keegan in the 1974 Charity Shield. Yes, a charity matchLate tackles and slanging matches with referees were his forte as the Yorkshire club stamped their influence on the sport in the 1960s and 1970s.
For all the scandal, his quality as one of the first box-to-box footballers cannot be disputed. From the heart of a side that came from the Second Division to claim two top flight titles, he snatched 90 goals in 587 league appearances and is a member of the Scottish and English Hall of Fames.
3. MARK VAN BOMMEL | Netherlands
Dirtiest moment: Clattering through Andres Iniesta in the World Cup final. And that was just for startersThe Netherlands' charge to the World Cup 2010 final surprised many, but the real miracle was the fact van Bommel didn't get sent off along the way. Despite an endless series of fouls and arguments with referees, it took until the semi-final stage for him to even receive a yellow card.
In the final alone, the Bayern Munich man committed four fouls that could have brought red, but step away from the controversy for a second and his inspirational qualities were invaluable. With the nation sliding towards a quarter-final defeat against Brazil, his fearsome display showed the quality that has earmarked a lengthy career at the top level.
In the final alone, the Bayern Munich man committed four fouls that could have brought red, but step away from the controversy for a second and his inspirational qualities were invaluable. With the nation sliding towards a quarter-final defeat against Brazil, his fearsome display showed the quality that has earmarked a lengthy career at the top level.
2. STEFAN EFFENBERG | Germany
Dirtiest moment: Not content with leaving his wife to be with the wife of Thomas Strunz (a team-mate), he then went public with explicit photos of the two of them. John Terry, eat your heart outAway from the controversy, the German was the beating heart of a Bayern Munich side that dominated the sport at the turn of the Millenium.
Voted UEFA Club Footballer of the Year after the side's Champions League and Bundesliga successes in 2001, he dominated midfields across the continent. The only regret came as his explosive personality denied him a lengthy international career after he swore at Germany fans at World Cup 1994 leading to a lengthy spell in the wilderness.
Voted UEFA Club Footballer of the Year after the side's Champions League and Bundesliga successes in 2001, he dominated midfields across the continent. The only regret came as his explosive personality denied him a lengthy international career after he swore at Germany fans at World Cup 1994 leading to a lengthy spell in the wilderness.
1. MARCO MATERAZZI | Italy
Dirtiest moment: Provoking that headbutt from Zinedine Zidane. Few can be headbutted and still be the villainCarved from the same stone as Italy's most feared centre backs, Materazzi has fouled and clattered his way through a fine career. Given the nickname 'The Matrix' due to his unpredictable personality, the veteran was sent off four times in just one season at Everton.
After returning to Italy, he helped form the backbone of Inter's successful side and became a vital member of the national set-up.
This quality and controversy reached its height at the World Cup four years ago when he fitted in seamlessly for the injured Alessandro Nesta, scored an equalising goal in the final and then wound up Zinedine Zidane to unleash the most famous headbutt in football history.
After returning to Italy, he helped form the backbone of Inter's successful side and became a vital member of the national set-up.
This quality and controversy reached its height at the World Cup four years ago when he fitted in seamlessly for the injured Alessandro Nesta, scored an equalising goal in the final and then wound up Zinedine Zidane to unleash the most famous headbutt in football history.
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2/15/12
And with that, we're going to call it a night, folks.
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!
Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.
From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!
2/15/12
All this focus on the Arsenal and Milan game should not take away from another cracker earlier tonight between Zenit and Benfica. The Russians came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the closing minutes before Oscar Cardozo levelled things for Benfica, but it wasn't over there as Roman Shirokov won the game for Zenit in the 88th minute.
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
2/15/12
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny bemoaned his side's luck tonight but refused to give up. Here's some of his quotes:
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
Full story HERE
"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.
"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.
"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."
Full story HERE
2/15/12
Another Milan player who was willing to share his thoughts after the match was Mark van Bommel, who has urged caution ahead of the second leg in London.
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.
(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)
“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.
“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.
Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.
“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.
“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”
2/15/12
Next up is the Milan maestro Clarence Seedorf. He only managed 12 minutes on the pitch, but watching from the sidelines he was delighted at how his team mates had dominated the game.
"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."
"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."
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