The Definitive Ranking of Football's Wildest Moments

Some moments in football are beautiful. Others are pure, unadulterated chaos.

We are looking back at the times the script was ripped up. Let's count them down.

10. The Tyne-Wear Derby Meltdown (2024)

Newcastle taking on Sunderland is never a quiet affair. As the Mirror reported, Sunday afternoon proved exactly why this rivalry is unmatched in its hostility.

Fans clashed in violent scenes minutes before kick-off, a stark reminder of the ugly side of the game. It overshadowed what should have been a celebration of North East football.

The policing was frankly shambolic. They had weeks to prepare, yet completely lost control of the streets outside St James' Park.

9. Aguerooooo (2012)

You cannot talk about moments without mentioning the 94th minute at the Etihad.

Manchester City snatched the title from under Sir Alex Ferguson's nose. Martin Tyler's commentary is burned into our brains forever.

8. Zidane's Headbutt (2006)

The biggest stage, the final match of his career. Zinedine Zidane chose violence.

Marco Materazzi said the wrong thing at the wrong time. France lost a World Cup, but we got the most iconic exit in sports history.

7. The Slipping of Gerrard (2014)

Demba Ba was just doing his job. Steven Gerrard slipped, and Anfield fell deadly silent.

It was a cruel twist of fate for a player who deserved a league title. Brendan Rodgers' team simply choked when the pressure reached boiling point.

6. The Miracle of Istanbul (2005)

AC Milan were 3-0 up at half-time. The game was absolutely dead and buried.

Steven Gerrard sparked the most absurd comeback the Champions League has ever seen. Jerzy Dudek's wobbly legs did the rest.

5. Leicester City's Title Win (2016)

They were 5000/1 outsiders. Andrea Bocelli sang at the King Power Stadium.

Claudio Ranieri managed a team of cast-offs and journeymen to the impossible dream. It made a mockery of the billionaire owners running the established elite.

4. Mourinho's Touchline Sprint (2004)

Porto shocked Manchester United, and Jose Mourinho announced himself to the world.

He sprinted down the Old Trafford touchline, arms flailing wildly in his long grey coat. It was pure arrogance, and we absolutely loved it.

3. Deeney's Playoff Heroics (2013)

Anthony Knockaert missed a penalty at one end. Twenty seconds later, Troy Deeney smashed it in at the other.

Watford went to Wembley, and Leicester were left stunned. The roar of the Vicarage Road crowd is still ringing in my ears.

2. The Battle of the Buffet (2004)

Arsenal's Invincibles saw their 49-game run end at Old Trafford. Cesc Fabregas responded by throwing pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson.

It was the peak of the Arsenal-Manchester United rivalry. Petty, brilliant, and utterly ridiculous.

1. The Hand of God (1986)

Diego Maradona cheated. Let us be entirely clear about that.

He punched the ball over Peter Shilton, and the referee completely missed it. Four minutes later, he scored the greatest goal of all time.

Honorable Mentions

Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick at Selhurst Park nearly made the list. So did Roy Keane's tunnel bust-up with Patrick Vieira.

Football is rarely boring. When it loses its mind, it is the best sport on the planet.