When Managers Attack
They’re supposed to lead by example, but all too often the man on the touchline loses it. Inspired by last night’s fracas between Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet, here’s a choice selection of football managers going postal.
1. Gus Poyet v Steve Bruce
2. Alan Pardew v David Meyler
Steve Bruce may have lost some dignity last night, but he was as calm as a Hindu cow in the midst of this embarrassing moment from ex-Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who reacted badly to an incident with Hull’s David Meyler.
3. Arsene Wenger v Alan Pardew
The spray-tanned scrap artist pops up again here in a confrontation with Arsene Wenger following an 88th minute winner from then-West Ham striker Marlon Harewood.
4. Paolo Di Canio v Leon Clarke
Another ex-Hammer, Di Canio wore his heart on his sleeve as a player and as a manager. But things boiled over here with striker Leon Clarke following a 3-1 loss to Southampton.
5. Adem Ljajic v Delio Rossi
Fellow Italian Delio Rossi similarly lost it with playmaker Adem Ljajic after he sarcastically applauded the manager’s decision to sub him off in the 32nd minute. Rossi was, perhaps unsurprisingly, sacked for the assault.
6. Roberto Mancini vs Sir Alex Ferguson
Another fight, another Italian manager. This time it’s Roberto Mancini squaring up to Sir Alex Ferguson – a man who’s hard-nut changing room antics have made footballing legend.
7. Roberto Mancini vs David Moyes
Fellow Glasweigan and eventual successor to Ferguson David Moyes also found himself at the wrong end of Mancini’s continental passion in this slightly unconvincing display of aggression.
8. Neil Lennon v Ally McCoist
Pleasantries between Celtic manager Neil Lennon and Ranger’s Ally McCoist quickly descend into handbags after a typically spicy 2011 old firm derby.