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Football is a game which runs high on adrenaline and emotions. The players, coaches, commentators, and football experts step on each other’s toes by making unwanted and unnecessary comments against each other from time to time.
Sometimes they apologise, and other times it gets blown out of proportion in the main stream media and other outlets. Whatever be the case, the game of football loses some of its spirit each time mud-slinging or below-the-belt remarks are indulged.
Many times, they do it to achieve some tactical or strategic objectives. They sometimes insult each other to gain an upper hand, before or during a game. This is why even the best of players and coaches indulge in these mental games from time to time.
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Here are 5 occasions people were slighted in the game of football.
#5 Arrigo Sacchi on Steven Gerrard
Arrigo Sacchi is regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time. Sacchi has a reputation of being slightly arrogant, and takes pot-shots at everyone.
When asked about Steven Gerrard, he said,
“Lacks what I call knowing how to play football”. At the same time he added, "Gerrard's a great footballer, but not a great player"
Gerrard took his comments lightly, brushing them aside.
#4 George Best on David Beckham
If you thought the earlier insult was not a nasty one, this one reaches another level.
George Best is considered as one of the greatest dribblers of all time. He and David Beckham were inducted into the FIFA 100 list of greatest living players in 2004. Both of them represented Manchester United in different eras.
Best was asked his opinion on David Beckham, and he replied by saying,
"He cannot kick with his left foot, he cannot head a ball, he cannot tackle, and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that, he's all right"
#3 Sir Alex Ferguson on referee Alan Wiley
Talking about Manchester United, here is an insult on a referee by Alex Ferguson.
Alan Wiley was a referee in a match between Sunderland and The Red Devils. Ferguson commented on his performance,
“The referee was not fit enough. The game demanded a referee who was fit. He’s not fit. You see referees abroad who are as fit as butcher’s dogs. He was taking 30 seconds to book a player then having a rest. Ridiculous”
Wiley was so distressed that he considered quitting immediately. Ultimately he retired in 2010.
#2 Giovanni Trapattoni on Paolo Di Canio
This one is certainly a below-the-belt remark. Paolo Di Canio was an Italian forward known for his dribbling skills. Trapattoni was the manager for the Italian World Cup team in 2002.
When asked whether Di Canio would be added in the World Cup squad, he responded by saying,
"Only if there's an outbreak of bubonic plague"
Di Canio did not make it into the World Cup squad, despite giving a decent performance prior.
#1 Freddy Shepherd on Alan Shearer
Freddy Shepherd, former Newcastle United chairman, was once asked of his views on Alan Shearer. He said,
“Alan Shearer is boring; we call him Mary Poppins"
Shepherd later apologised for his insensitive comment. Shearer forgave him, and they forged a beautiful friendship which lasted till Shepherd died in 2017.
