Reality can be quite hard in football. A yellow card may be a small irritation, but it is enough to make a referee show you the red card. And there are some red cards that have become more infamous than others down the decades, leading to long suspensions and never-to-be-forgotten entries into football folklore. This article looks at some of the most stunning disqualifications in the history of this game, singling out those individuals who went too far and paid the price.

The Infamous “Maracanã Mayhem” and Rojas’ Lifetime Ban

During World Cup, qualifying in 1989 between Brazil and Chile, Chilean goalkeeper Roberto Rojas staged a remarkable act. He collapsed on the ground clutching his face, alleging he had been hit by an object thrown from the stands. Replays exposed it as a sham – there was no object. An inquiry later found that Rojas had cut himself with a razor blade concealed in his gloves. It was plain cheating and earned Rojas a life ban from FIFA, led to Chile’s expulsion from Italia 90 and resulted in them not being permitted to compete again until after USA 94.

Biting, Brawls, and Broken Noses: Other Disqualifications that Grabbed Headlines

Football has witnessed its fair share of on-field violence and misconduct. Here are some other notable disqualifications:

• Héctor Robles (1 year): In 1993, the Chilean defender attacked a referee during a friendly match, leading to a year-long ban by UEFA.
• João Pinto (6 months): At the 2002 World Cup, the Portuguese midfielder assaulted the referee, resulting in a six-month suspension (initially imposed as a harsher punishment but reduced for good behavior).
• David Navarro (6 months): During a Champions League match, the Valencia defender instigated a brawl, breaking an opponent’s nose. He received a seven-month ban, ultimately reduced to six months after an appeal.
• Diego Maradona (2 months): The legendary Argentine coach, known for his on-field theatrics, carried them over to the sidelines. A two-month suspension from all football activity followed for disrespectfully outburst about officials.
• Diego Costa (8 games): Diego Costa’s fiery personality boiled over in 2019 when he verbally abused a referee during a match, resulting in an eight-match suspension.
• Marco Materazzi (2 Months): The 2006 World Cup final saw Marco Materazzi punch an opponent in the tunnel, earning a two-month suspension.
• Pepe (10 weeks): Pepe’s reputation for aggressive play reached a peak in 2009 when a brutal tackle and a headbutt earned him a 10-week ban.
• Arda Turan (16 Weeks): Arda Turan’s return to Turkish football turned sour when he violently shoved a referee during a match, earning him a lengthy suspension.

From “King Eric” to “The Bite of Suarez”: Iconic Players, Shocking Disqualifications

Footballing giants haven’t been immune to heavy punishments. Two such cases stand out:

• Eric Cantona (9 months): The “King” of Manchester United tarnished his legacy in 1995 with a shocking kung-fu kick aimed at a fan who had heckled him. It remains one of the lengthiest bans ever handed down to such an esteemed player.
• Luis Suarez (9 games): The Uruguayan striker’s infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup remains a controversial moment. Suarez was given a nine-match international ban as well as being suspended for four months from all activity relating to football and fined heavily.

These disqualifications demonstrate how seriously officials take field aggressiveness and misbehavior in this sport. They remind us that even the most talented can pay a high price for their actions, forever changing their careers and staining their reputations among people who love these games worldwide but know better than anyone why they must not tolerate such behaviors forever or anywhere else.