10 Most Shocking Red Cards In Premier League History

3. Paolo Di Canio - September 27, 1998

It was a clear case of staying out of other people's business. The erratic Italian witnessed a tussle between Sheffield Wednesday team-mate Petter Rudi and Arsenal's Patrick Vieira and decided it was up to him to intervene. However, the striker's temperament left a lot to be desired and after shoving Vieira in an attempt to back up Rudi, he went on to kick Martin Keown and grab him by the throat. Presumably he was feeling particularly brave that day. As the game descended into a 17-man brawl, referee Paul Alcock eventually diffused the situation - or so he thought. Showing Di Canio a straight red for his part in the fracas should have been the end of the situation, but the Italian had different ideas. Roll on red mist part two! What happened next will always be remembered as one of the most shocking memories ever to take place in the Premier League. Di Canio once again lost his temper, but instead of directing his anger in the direction of the opposition as he had previously, it was the turn of Alcock to feel the wrath of the frontman, getting pushed to the ground in yet another moment of madness. An 11-game ban and £10,000 fine were all the Italian had to show for his troubles in the end.