10 Most Notorious Long Bans In Football History

6. Andoni Goikoetxea - 18 Games

Peter Robinson/EMPICS SportPeter Robinson/EMPICS SportRemember when you were playing football as a child, and there was always the guy who was better than everyone else? Usually, it left you feeling so jealous that you went out of your way to try and injure him (not seriously, of course). And if you've ever had those feelings, you can probably relate to Andoni Goikoetxea. Goikoetxea is perhaps most famous for his time with the Spanish national team, with whom he won 39 caps during the 1980s, but he also had a particular dislike for Diego Maradona during his club career, and often used the physical approach to try and haul down the legendary Argentinian. In a league match in 1983, Goikoetxea (playing for Athletic Bilbao) infamously broke Maradona's ankle with a ferocious challenge, catching him from behind in a brutal manner. The Spanish FA came down hard on Goikoetxea though, slapping him with an 18-match ban for the challenge. 8 months later, when the sides met again, the game erupted into a shockingly violent melee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tejvf8FA8uQ He reportedly kept the boot that injured Maradona in a glass case at home, perhaps best illustrating his dislike for the Argentinian.
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Freelance sports journalist from Bradford, West Yorkshire. Specialize in primarily Rugby League and Football.