GOAL runs through the most shocking technical area theatrics in football history
Football is a game full of passion. Some players and managers are capable of controlling their emotions, but others see it spill out a little too frequently.
As GOAL outlines below, touchline bust-ups can make for great viewing and have become just another reason why we all love the beautiful game.
Getty11Roberto Mancini vs David Moyes (2010)
Fiery Italian meets red-haired Scot, with Mancini and Moyes locking horns towards the end of a Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium in 2010. Everton were on their way to a notable 2-0 victory over Manchester City, but their manager felt the need to try to waste time towards the end of that contest.
An opportunity to do just that presented itself in the closing stages when the ball ran out of play and into Moyes’ arms. He was in no rush to get the game going again, much to the disgust of Mancini – who opted to take matters into his own hands.
A tussle broke out as Mancini sought to wrestle the ball back from Moyes, with the fourth official and match referee having to intervene before both coaches were sent to the stands. The incident quickly blew over, as both men sat down for a post-game glass of wine, but they were charged with improper conduct after acting like a couple of school children.
AdvertisementGetty10Jurgen Klopp vs Frank Lampard (2020)
Liverpool hosted Chelsea in their final home game of the 2019-20 season. Many will remember it as the day the Reds lifted the Premier League trophy after so many years, however, others will recall it for the altercation between two managers.
Liverpool were awarded a free-kick 36 minutes into the game which Chelsea manager Lampard did not agree with. A few words were exchanged between himself and Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, resulting in Lampard telling him to "f*ck off and sit down." Klopp kept his cool, but Lampard was not happy, picking on more members of Liverpool's backroom staff.
The game was played behind closed doors, and as such, most of what was said was caught on camera. Lampard can be heard saying "only league title you've ever won and you're giving it the f*cking big 'un." Ouch.
Ironically, Trent Alexander-Arnold expertly dispatched the free-kick and Liverpool went on to win 5-3. Not Frank's finest hour!
Getty9Arsene Wenger vs Alan Pardew (2006)
Wenger may have come across as a softly-spoken student of the game, but ‘Le Professeur’ could lose his cool with the best of them and was partial to the odd bout of touchline theatrics. Former Newcastle and West Ham boss Pardew proved to be a thorn in his side on a regular basis, with the pair often butting heads.
One particular incident at Upton Park in 2006 saw them almost come to blows, with Wenger taking issue with wild celebrations on the Hammers bench after Marlon Harewood netted a late winner against his Arsenal side in east London.
Wenger appeared to shove and swear at Pardew before refusing to shake hands afterwards or conduct post-match interviews. The Gunners boss was later fined £10,000 ($12,000) by the Football Association (FA) and would never rebuild bridges with a rival manager that had a tendency to push his buttons.
Getty8Nigel Pearson vs James McArthur (2015)
McArthur must have wondered what was going on when, after being sent sprawling to the turf under a challenge from a Leicester player, he suddenly found himself with the hands of Foxes boss Pearson around his neck!
The Scot had taken an unfortunate, and entirely accidental, tumble into Pearson as he prowled the touchline. Despite there being no malice on the part of the Crystal Palace midfielder, a coach that was renowned for both his bark and bite was less than impressed at ending up on the deck himself.
Pearson claimed that his antics had been meant in jest, but McArthur admitted to being “a bit scared” at finding himself forced to the ground by the throat. The incident was truly bizarre and it comes as something of a surprise to find that Alan Pardew – who was occupying the opposing dugout – did not get involved!