The real bad boys of sports!

5) Joey Barton

The first goal in the Newcastle – Aston Villa match a couple of weeks ago showcased the tremendous skill and talent of this combative midfielder.

Unfortunately for him, the “self destruct “button is pressed once too often for anybody’s liking.

He stubbed out a cigar onto the eyes of reserve team player Jamie Tandy during a Manchester City Christmas party in 2004. The following summer saw him assault a 15-year-old Everton fan during a pre-season tour of Thailand. His next victim, well his own teammate Ousmane Dabo, who suffered injuries to his head in a brawl, including a suspected detached retina. He finally saw the insides of the cell after another assault on a night out in Liverpool in 2008, the judge subjecting him to six months in prison since the offence was committed whilst he was on bail for two prior offences. He’s had his fair share of battles with alcohol. Other noteworthy incidents include the “Pants down” and the “Nazi salute” episodes.