Soccer Crimes and Scandals

Check out some of the most infamous soccer crimes, scandals, and controversies of the last fifty years.

Elizabeth Lambert

Elizabeth Lambert of the University of New Mexico had some physical run-ins with opposing players from Brigham Young University during a NCAA west conference semi-final game. Her now infamous "ponytail-pulling incident" became a YouTube sensation and resulted in an indefinite suspension for the young aggressive player.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was a French World Cup champion in 1998, however it was is was 2006 World Cup that sparked controversy. When the game went into over-time, Zidane proceeded to head-butt Marco Materazzi of Italy following an insult from the Italian player, according to ESPN. Zidane was sent off the field and France went on to lose the game. Charges were discussed for the incident, but were never filed.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was a French World Cup champion in 1998, however it was is was 2006 World Cup that sparked controversy. When the game went into over-time, Zidane proceeded to head-butt Marco Materazzi of Italy following an insult from the Italian player, according to ESPN. Zidane was sent off the field and France went on to lose the game. Charges were discussed for the incident, but were never filed.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was a French World Cup champion in 1998, however it was is was 2006 World Cup that sparked controversy. When the game went into over-time, Zidane proceeded to head-butt Marco Materazzi of Italy following an insult from the Italian player, according to ESPN. Zidane was sent off the field and France went on to lose the game. Charges were discussed for the incident, but were never filed.

Andres Escobar

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Andres Escobar

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Luis Fabiano

Luis Fabiano is Brazilian soccer star who plays striker for Sevilla and is currently representing Brazil in this year's 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, back in 2005, the BBC reported that Fabiano's mother was kidnapped near her home. Money was believed to be the motive in the case. She was held hostage for forty days and was released unharmed after the ransom was paid.

Luis Fabiano

Luis Fabiano is Brazilian soccer star who plays striker for Sevilla and is currently representing Brazil in this year's 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, back in 2005, the BBC reported that Fabiano's mother was kidnapped near her home. Money was believed to be the motive in the case. She was held hostage for forty days and was released unharmed after the ransom was paid.

Franck Ribery

Franck Ribery is a winger for Bundesliga and is currently playing on France's 2010 FIFA World Cup team. He has recently been accused of sex with a minor, reports the Daily Mail. Although he admits to sleeping with the underage prostitute, he insists he was not aware of her age at the time.

Joey Barton

Joey Barton is currently a midfielder for Newcastle United and a former World Cup player (2006). According to the BBC, he was arrested in 2007 for an alleged assault and criminal damage after an argument with a taxi driver outside a McDonalds. The charges were dropped in 2008.

Joey Barton

Joey Barton is currently a midfielder for Newcastle United and a former World Cup player (2006). According to the BBC, he was arrested in 2007 for an alleged assault and criminal damage after an argument with a taxi driver outside a McDonalds. The charges were dropped in 2008.

Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona was a former winger for Manchester United. During a game in 1995 Contona was sent off the field for a brutal kick, according to the Daily Mail. He took his frustration out on an opposing fan with "kung-fu" kick to the spectator's torso. He was suspended for the remainder of the season, served seven days in jail, and paid a hefty fine.

Dennis Wise

Dennis Wise is former Newcastle United F.C. midfielder and former manager. In 1995, the Daily Mail reports, Wise was charged for biting his defender, Real Mallorca, on the arm during the Cup Winners' Cup in 1999. He was later cleared by UEFA.

George Best

George Best was a winger for Manchester United and one of the first celebrity soccer players back in the 1960s. Best was a known alcoholic and according to the BBC was arrested in 1984 for drunk driving and assaulting a policeman. This stint resulted in a 12 week prison sentence that left Best in jail over Christmas.

George Best

George Best was a winger for Manchester United and one of the first celebrity soccer players back in the 1960s. Best was a known alcoholic and according to the BBC was arrested in 1984 for drunk driving and assaulting a policeman. This stint resulted in a 12 week prison sentence that left Best in jail over Christmas.