10 Most Controversial Premier League Moments

8. Ruud van Nistelrooy Finds His Personal Space Invaded

Dutch master Ruud van Nistelrooy faced a torrid time when he missed a stoppage-time penalty against old foes Arsenal.

The incident occurred in the days when the Gunners set sights on more than just the FA Cup to fill up their trophy cabinet, therefore a positive result for either side would have been viewed as a major statement of intent.

Van Nistelrooy had, in some people’s eyes, overreacted during an earlier altercation with Patrick Vieira, which saw the Arsenal captain receive his marching orders. His conduct had riled Vieira’s team-mates to such an extent that their collective blood pressures reached boiling point by the time Martin Keown felled David Beckham in the box to concede a last-gasp penalty.

It was villain of the piece ‘Van the Man’ who stepped up to take the spot-kick, but he unluckily whacked it off the crossbar and it flew away to safety. Renowned hard-man Keown was the first to get into his face, ferociously goading the Dutchman.

Seconds later, the final whistle blew. Keown leapt up with arms outstretched, ensuring that he caught Van Nistelrooy on the way down. A 22-man brawl ensued, creating one of the ugliest on-pitch scenes within the Premier League era.

That precious point was integral to Arsenal’s incredible unbeaten run to the 2003-04 title, which led to them being bestowed with the ‘Invincibles’ moniker.