5 Most controversial figures to ever play in the Premier League

#3 Joey Barton

Barton was a controversial figure in the Premier League

Joey Barton, the English journeyman, was embroiled in numerous controversies, some off the field and some on it. An energetic midfielder by trade, Barton would, unfortunately be remembered for his controversies on the pitch rather than his performances with the football.

Barton caused a stir when he was very vocal about the performances of his English peers at the 2006 World Cup. However, this wasn’t the only controversy Barton was a part of.

While at Manchester City, he stubbed a lit cigar into a youth team player’s eye during a Christmas party. In addition to this, in 2007, he was banned and given a hefty fine for assaulting Ousmane Dabo on the training ground.

If this wasn’t enough, he also produced a horrendous kick-out on Sergio Aguero in 2012, getting himself banned for 12 games in the process.

Barton was a talented midfielder but could never harness his potential in a positive manner. More than his footballing ability, people across the globe picture him as one of the most controversial players to have stepped foot on a football pitch.