It wasn't so much what Diouf did at Sunderland that gave him his villainous reputation, he already owned that. He was the bad boy of English football, and hated regardless of where he went. When he arrived on Wearside for £2.6 million, the crowd entered a ceasefire. Diouf had the skill to impress, but in 16 games, he failed to score, with his most memorable moment coming during a Wear-Tyne derby as he was hauled down on the edge of the box, clearing the way for Kieran Richardson to slam home his freekick. When that's a player's highlight from their time at a club, you know it didn't go well, and the fans happily ended the ceasefire. Diouf went back to playing the villain.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
