Infamous football moments recreated by children

Football is central to a number of people’s lives around the word. It is an escape for some from the monotony of workaday lives, to others, their lives are built around it as they dedicate themselves to teams and players over years of dedication to the game. It is a game that has enthralled and captured many minds through its magical moments and sometimes utterly unbelievable unpredictability that writes storylines that no one could sitting behind a desk.

The most remembered footballing memories don’t always come from it’s best moments, sometimes it’s when the game is at it’s lowest point that the incredible scenes burn themselves in your memory. Nonetheless, they’re a part of the game and most fans would not have it any other way.

Award-winning photographer George Logan, had the inspiration to recreate some of football’s most infamous moments in collaboration with Barcroft TV. In his project titled ‘Football’s Bad Boys’, the London-based Scottish Glasgow Rangers supporter with the help of some children recaptured the essence of these iconic moments when footballers showed their less sporting sides, sometimes comically other times with poor consequences.

The project aimed to highlight the nature of role models the game is providing to children in the contemporary era as they follow the game closely and could be greatly influenced by some of it’s biggest players. Logan told Barcroft TV: “We wanted to create a series of photographs which highlighted whether a game which is more and more obsessed with giant salaries and celebrity lifestyles, is still creating the right role models for Britain’s youth.

“The kids had a brilliant day together kicking balls about in the sun. They knew the players and teams involved even if most of the incidents were before their time.”

On his work, he also added: “I always try to work on personal projects that incorporate other interests in my life. I shoot lots of wildlife photography but also love sport and especially football.”

Here is the result of Logan’s project:

Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’

The 1986 World Cup saw Argentina win the coveted trophy for the second time in their history. It was a campaign of which Diego Maradona was the star as he many times single-handedly turned the tide in favour of La Albiceleste. The most recalled moment of the whole event though was not one that showed the magician in the best light.

In the quarter-final clash against England, Maradona scored two goals, the second was nicknamed ‘Goal of the Century’ as the Argentine beat 6 players on his way to nearly dribble the ball into the net.

The most talked about is the infamous first goal, more popularly referred to as the ‘Hand of God’. As the ball was lobbed into the box, Maradona guided the ball past the England goalkeeper Peter Shilton using his left hand to do so but the officials failed to spot the irregularity and the goal stood. Argentina would go on to become champions and Maradona would win the Golden Ball but the tournament will always bring back images of this infamous footballing moment.

Gazza’s ‘Dentist Chair’ celebration

Paul Gascoigne will always be remembered among the most talented players England has seen but he would also be remembered as a player whose career was marred by his alcoholism. A particular incident in a pre-Euro 1996 tour to Hong Kong when Gazza had indulged in a drinking game termed the ‘Dentist’s Chair’ would become emblematic of his issues off the pitch. He faced some criticism for his behaviour even at the time.

When he put on the England jersey against Scotland in the Euro ‘96 tournament, The Three Lions were in delicate situation and goalkeeper David Seaman had just saved a penalty. Gazza in full flow scored one of his best career goals as he flicked the ball over a defender with his left foot and then buried it past the keeper with his right, he became an England hero as commentator John Motson squealed in delight.

What followed was an incredible celebration that was a recreation of the ‘Dentist Chair’ game he was criticised for before the tournament. It is not the only celebration that Logan recreated, but as a Scot it wasn’t the most pleasant memory for him, he said: “The dentist chair with Gazza was the most memorable and painful for me as it was after a goal against Scotland.”

Suarez bites Ivanovic

In April 2013, Liverpool hosted Chelsea at Anfield as the game ended in a 2-2 draw after Luis Suarez’s late equaliser against the Blues. There was an incident a few minutes earlier that led to the Uruguayan earning a ten-game ban from the English Football Association.

In an incident that all football fans will surely remember, Luis Suarez seemed to bite Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the arm. It was the second such incident that Suarez was involved in having suffered a ban at Ajax earlier. It wouldn’t be the last either as the Liverpool forward would go on to do the same with Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup and earn another ban during which he made a move to Barcelona.

Zidane headbutt

The stage was set for a footballing great Zinedine Zidane to lead France to yet another World Cup triumph, having been the heart of their side in the 1998 campaign when they won the trophy at home. Yet again, he was the force behind France’s push for the title, leading from the front with an elegance and determination matched by his compatriots. 8 years after he tasted the glory, the hunger was still there.

The French faced the Italians in the final. They took an early lead as Zidane scored an audacious penalty against Gigi Buffon, as the ball clipped the post and went in, it seemed like Zidane had done it once again an would go on to cement his name in France’s footballing folklore as the man who led them to two World Cup titles. It did not last too long as Materazzi scored in the 19th minute.

But France still had their captain, they had hope, he even almost gave them the lead again in the second half through a header, but it was not to be. The game went into extra time as the score remained 1-1. The two goalscorers on the night were jogging in close proximity and exchanging words when Zidane turned to face Materazzi and slammed his head into the Italian defender's chest.

The dream was over as Zidane was sent off in his last game for France, Italy then went on to win on penalties as the French rued ‘what could have been’. But what remained of the game were 2 moments the infamous headbutt followed by Zidane walking past the World Cup trophy, within touching distance but out of reach.

Paolo Di Canio pushes the referee

Paolo Di Canio had talent and temper in equal measures. he was hardly one to stay away from a fight. He was one of those on whom the ‘red mist’ descended every so often and it translated to an incident that would check another mark in Di Canio’s long list of altercations on the pitch.

The most funny yet slightly scary moment was when Sheffield Wednesday took on Arsenal in 1998. Di Canio got involved in an argument that involved virtually all the players on the pitch but the fiesty Italian was the one that walked away the worst as in a fit of rage he pushed referee Paul Alcock to the floor leading to an incredibly comical moment that left the referee on the floor brandishing a red card at Di Canio.

The Italian was banned for 11 games and fined for his conduct on the pitch.

Beckham kicks Diego Simeone

Another moment from football's most infamous happened at the 1998 World Cup, in yet another charged encounter between Argentina and England. David Beckham, who was left out of the opening fixture that England lost and came back for the second that they won also played the third against the South American giants. In doing so, he came face-to-face with the current Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone.

They were involved in an incident that would cause England fans to issue death-threats and burn effigies of their own player. It all started when Simeone brought down Beckham with a heavy tackle near the halfway line. As the referee approached the two, Beckham who was lying face down on the ground brought his right leg up kicking the Simeone. The Argentine went to ground despite the contact arguably being minimal.

The referee decided to send the future England captain off for his violent conduct. It would have far-reaching ramifications for the national team and the player as the team lost the game on penalties and then went out of the tournament. The public vilified Beckham for his irresponsibility, though he would go on to redeem himself later on in his career.

Keown’s reaction to Nistelrooy's penalty miss

Martin Keown's reaction to a Ruud Van Nistelrooy penalty miss at Old Trafford was an example of how not to be a sporting professional. In September 2003, when Arsenal visited Old Trafford, the score was tied 0-0 when United won a last minute penalty that would all but ensure a win for the Red Devils, but the Dutch striker missed from the spot.

Keown, whose challenge on Diego Forlan had gifted the penalty to Sir Alex Ferguson's side reacted by jumping up in the air and celebrating and screaming in Nistelrooy’s face. He even hit the Dutchman on the back of the head in the process but the striker wasn't provoked though his team-mates got involved.

Keown was suspended for 3 games and received a fine for his actions.

Cantona's ‘Kung-Fu’ kick

Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick on a fan in 1995 took his notoriety to a whole new level. Known for his petulant behaviour and famed for his arrogance, Cantona responded to Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons' taunts after being sent off by launching a flying kick at him and then going on to trade blows with him.

It resulted in a ban for Cantona that lasted the rest of the season, he was also slapped with a fine for the same incident. Fans of the player defended him citing Simmons’ criminal past. Nonetheless, Cantona's reaction was over the top and will be lived down as a black mark on his illustrious Manchester United past.

Mario Balotelli's 'Why Always Me’ celebration

Mario Balotelli has risen to popularity more for his antics than his work on the field. Others may argue that his celebration for Italy after scoring for them at the 2012 Euro Cup takes the cake but this one is right up there as one of his best celebraptions and perhaps antics on the pitch.

He has been at the end of criticism from several quarters regarding everything from his performances to his activities off the pitch. In typical Mario Balotelli fashion, the Italian responded in the Manchester derby after scoring against their rivals and pulling up his jersey over his head and revealing a t-shirt below that read "Why Always Me".

If there was reaction that typified Mario Balotelli, this was it.