5 Instances When Top Footballers Lost Their Cool And Went Too Far

#3 Zinadene Zidane's headbutt on Marco Materazzi

Marco Materazzi writhes on the pitch after a headbutt to the chest from Zinedine Zidane

One of the greatest ever players (and later coach) from France, Zinedine Zidane bowed out of his playing career in dramatic fashion. It was widely known that the 2006 FIFA World Cup would be Zidane's last football tournament.

He had guided France to the final against Italy and this was to be his last match ever as he decided to retire. In fact, Zidane had a dream final match in the opening 10 minutes when he scored a cheeky penalty to give France a 1-0 lead.

Marco Materazzi equalised for the Italians before the duo would collide once more. The match ended 1-1 in normal time and required extra time to settle it.

In the 110th minute of the match, Materazzi appeared to have said something to Zidane which infuriated him. The French superstar retaliated by turning around and head-butting the Italian defender on his chest which sent him sprawling to the ground.

Zidane was subsequently sent off as the Italians went on to seal the title with a 5-3 win on penalties.