10 Most Controversial Premier League Moments

5. Paolo Di Canio Unleashes Superhero Powers

Italian magician Paolo Di Canio was always a hot-head, whether plying his trade in his homeland or on British shores.

But, he took things to a whole new level when pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground during a game between Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal.

A fracas took place near the touchline and, true to form, Di Canio decided to involve himself where he wasn’t needed. He completely lost control, proceeding to push Patrick Vieira and then lashing out Martin Keown, before clasping his hands around the Arsenal defender’s throat.

Despite the melee having comprised of around 17 players, it was the maverick forward who saw red – in more ways than one. Di Canio shoved the ref in the chest, seemingly creating a cataclysmic event that saw Alcock stumble backwards in comical fashion for about 10 yards before falling flat on his back.

The Wednesday star stormed off the field and was not seen again for quite some time thanks to an 11-match ban meted out for his indiscretion.