Over the years, there have been many footballers who have caused mass controversy for their actions both on and off the pitch. Even players with immense talent have been let down by not being able to keep themselves in check.
We count down the top 10 longest bans in football.
#10 – LUIS SUAREZ – 4 MONTHS
Luis Suarez again made worldwide headlines in the 2014 World Cup group stages for another act of biting. Suarez had already bit an opponent whilst plying his trade in Holland and was then found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra in a game against Manchester United. When playing for Uruguay, Suarez bit the shoulder of Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini which comes after he was again banned for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Suarez received a four month ban; which Chiellini though was harsh on the former Ajax striker. Suarez would have missed nine Premier League matches for Liverpool but was instead sold to Barcelona for £75m and went on to complete a historic treble with the Spanish club.
#9 – VINNIE JONES – 6 MONTHS
Although Vinnie Jones was a repeat offender during matches, receiving a red card on twelve occasions, it was his off-field work which landed the former Chelsea midfielder in hot water. Jones’ worked for the Soccer Hard Men video which was released in 1992 left the midfielder with a six month ban. The FA also suspended Jones for three years and he was handed a £20,000 fine.
Jones went on to exceed 40 disciplinary points that season which led to the Football Association banning him indefinitely. Jones has since capitalised on his ‘hard man’ image and now pursues his acting career.
#8 – KOLO TOURE – 6 MONTHS
Liverpool defender Kolo Toure was banned for six months after failing a drugs test. The World Anti-Doping Agency imposed the suspension which the Ivorian blamed on his wife’s diet pills which the former Arsenal man claims the illegal substance came from.
Toure returned to Manchester City after his ban and was used sparingly as City lifted their first league in 44 years after Sergio Aguero’s memorable winner against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season.
#7 – ADRIAN MUTU – 6 MONTHS
Adrian Mutu is another player whose on field and off field actions hindered his progress as a footballer. The former Chelsea striker was banned for six months after giving a positive result on a doping test in 2010. The Romanian striker failed the test after a Coppa Italia match against Lazio where Mutu scored twice in a 3-2 win.
This is not the first time Mutu will appear on this list but the 36 year old is regarded as of the best Serie A strikers of his era despite his multiple setbacks after spells with Internazionale, Verona, Parma, Juventus and Cesena.
#6 – ADRIAN MUTU – 7 MONTHS
Mutu appears again at number six when the forward once again failed a drugs test in 2004 when plying his trade for Chelsea in the Premier League. The former Romanian international tested positive for cocaine in 2004 which prompted Chelsea to sack the striker on the grounds of gross misconduct.
The FA also hit Mutu with a seven month ban and a £20,000 fine. The two parties battled over compensation which Chelsea thought they were entitled to. Mutu went on to join Juventus and FIFA ruled that both Juve and Livorno had to contribute some of the £14m which Mutu owed to Chelsea for a breach of contract. However, recent rulings from the Court for Arbitration for Sport have dismissed the demands by Chelsea meaning no payments will be made by Juventus.
#5 – RIO FERDINAND – 8 MONTHS
Recently retired defender Rio Ferdinand enters the list at number five when the former Manchester United was banned for 8 months. In September 2003, Ferdinand failed to attend a drug test at United’s training ground. Ferdinand attempted to make it back in time for the test but it was too late. The defender took the test the following day which he passed but the FA showed no mercy and imposed an 8 month ban for the England international.
This meant Ferdinand missed half a season for Manchester United and was also hit with a £50,000 fine. The Red Devils attempted to appeal against the verdict which almost landed Ferdinand with a four month increase on his ban. Eventually, the original verdict was upheld.
#4 – MARK BOSNICH – 9 MONTHS
Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa goalkeeper, Mark Bosnich, enters the top four after he was banned for nine months after failing a drugs test. Bosnich caused controversy early in his career when playing for Aston Villa when he performed a Nazi salute towards Tottenham Hotspur fans and was fined £1,000 for misconduct.
After 227 games for Aston Villa, the Australian was signed by Manchester United before moving to Chelsea on a free transfer. Bosnich’s career hit rock-bottom in 2002 when he failed a drug test for cocaine and claimed that his drink had been spiked. Eventually, the truth came out and Bosnich admitted that he had a $5,000 a week cocaine addiction.
#3 – ERIC CANTONA – 9 MONTHS
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace in January 1995 due to the actions of United striker Eric Cantona. One of the most famous sporting events in Premier League history was not due to footballing ability. Cantona was subject of verbal abuse from a Palace fan after he was sent-off for kicking an opponent. Realising the fan was near, the Frenchman launched a two-footed ‘kung-fu’ kick towards the supporter.
Cantona was arrested and convicted of assault which resulted in a two-week prison sentence which was later overturned. United fined their forward £20,000 and suspended him the remaining four months. The FA then increased the ban and fined the striker a further £10,000. Regardless of the incident, ‘King Eric’ is widely regarded as the greatest Manchester United player of all time.
#2 – DIEGO MARADONA – 15 MONTHS
Many experts, former players, current players and football fans regard Diego Maradona as the greatest football player of all time. The Argentinean was voted as the FIFA Player of the 20th Century along with Pele. Maradona set the world transfer record twice during his career. However, his career was also plagued with controversy. Maradona was suspended from football for 15 months in 1991 when the forward failed a drug test, for cocaine in Italy. Although the former Barcelona forward played the best football of his career with Napoli, he was suspected of involvement with the ‘Camorra’ which are one of the largest criminal organisations in Italy.
#1 – DIEGO MARADONA - 15 MONTHS
The living legend struggled for many years with a cocaine addiction but recovered in time for the 1994 World Cup in the USA. He was later sent home from the competition after testing positive for the use of ephedrine. Maradona was again banned for 15 months by FIFA and his international career ended in shame.
Since then, Maradona lost a considerable amount of weight and finally overcame his cocaine problem. The former 54 year old went on to embark on a managerial career holding the job of the Argentinean national team in 2008 as well as managing Al Wasl in Dubai.
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Source: DSG
