Barton first came to national attention when at Manchester City, thanks to an incident at the club's Christmas party in which he stubbed out a lit cigarette in youth player Jamie Tandy's eye. Controversy has plagued his career ever since, exacerbated by his outspoken attitude - once proclaiming himself to be the best midfielder in England - and comments on social media. After being sent off in the title-deciding match between City and new club QPR, Barton attempted to start a fight with several opposition players while leaving the pitch (including fellow member of this list, Mario Balotelli, who hadn't even been subbed on at the time).
