Ricardo Fuller slap
Here’s a late entry for the title of 2008’s most stupid sending off.
Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller was sent packing for violent conduct…
against his own team-mate.
Stoke took an early lead in the Premiership game at Upton Park. Shortly after West Ham equalised in the second half, Fuller walked over to his club captain, Andy Griffin, and slapped him on the face, apparently holding him responsible for conceding the goal.
The late, great John Charles famously struck Juventus team-mate Omar Sívori after he tried to get an opponent sent off. Fuller’s intentions were less noble.
He ruined his team’s chances of securing their first away win of the season. The change in play which followed the sending off was plain for all to see as West Ham besieged the Stoke goal. Two minutes from time, the Hammers made the pressure pay. Diego Tristán scored to give them a 2-1 victory.