7. The David Beckham Boot Controversy
Martin Rickett/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesIn 2003, one of the biggest controversies in the Premier League era befell Manchester United as manager Sir Alex Ferguson was embroiled in a dramatic bust-up with star player David Beckham. Ferguson had criticised Beckham over his performance in an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, and to underline his fury, kicked out at a pile of discarded kit on the floor. Unfortunately, underneath the kit lay a football boot, which took flight and nicked 'Golden Balls' above the eye, leaving a visible mark. Beckham and Ferguson's relationship never recovered from there, and the midfielder, who scored 62 goals in 265 appearances for the Red Devils, was sold to Real Madrid later that year. United lost one of the Premier League's greatest ever midfielders due to the incident, and much more besides in sponsorship and commercial fees as one of football's biggest draws left Old Trafford for the Spanish capital.