AFTER ROY HODGSON was caught telling tube passengers that Rio Ferdinand’s England career was over earlier this week, we decided to revisit seven other similar circumstances when sports stars were left red-faced.
1. The fake sheikh
Sven Goran Eriksson naively revealed his plans to leave the England job to the News of the World’s ‘fake sheikh’ in 2006. Of course, it was not the only time Eriksson was caught out in an embarrassing fashion, as Ulrika Johnson will attest. Such revelations led to the Swede being routinely mocked by satirists such as Alistair McGowan (see below).
YouTube credit: BBCWorldwide
2. Tiger Woods affairs
The US golfer was left reeling, after a string of revelations regarding his private life emerged, including details of numerous extra-marital affairs.
YouTube credit: PublicApologyCentral
3. Kevin Pietersen’s texts
Kevin Pietersen became embroiled in controversy earlier in the year, having sent a number of ill-advised texts, which were said to have included unflattering comments about Andrew Strauss, among other things.
YouTube credit: Oscars2013
4. The England rugby team’s post-World Cup fallout
A leaked report highlighted the level of disillusionment within the England set-up, following their disappointing 2012 Rugby World Cup campaign. “There wasn’t enough focus on basic skills,” complained one anonymous player, while another bluntly stated that “the man-management was absolutely terrible”.
YouTube credit: NMATV
5. Mark Kennedy and Phil Babb
Mark Kennedy and Phil Babbb were both fined and dropped from the Ireland squad for their much-publicised rowdy antics during a night-out in Dublin. Below is a video of Kennedy in happier times, scoring against Iceland.
YouTube credit: rooney2cantona
6. Michael Phelps smoking marijuana
Michael Phelps was seen as the golden boy of US swimming following his phenomenally successful performances at the Beijing Olympics. However, this image was tarnished somewhat, after pics of him allegedly smoking marijuana were exposed.
YouTube credit: edmikey
7. Andy Powell ill-conceived buggy drive
In 2010, Poweell encountered controversy not for the first or last time in his career, after he allegedly took and drove away a golf buggy towards services off junction 33 of the M4. The player has also been criticised for his on-field performances at times, and the video below illustrates why.
YouTube credit: LasGarzas11
Higgins is such a great match player. Truly one of the greatest. Such a pity he let himself and snooker down that time. Damaged his legacy.
@Brian Dunne: in fairness Brian, he was banned in 2010 but also all match fixing charges were dropped and went on to prove himself after his 6 month ban by winning the world title in 2011. Exceptional player. Not been outside the top 8 in the world for 26 years including the year of his ban is impressive. Ronnie lost interest today. He will be back obviously.
@Peter O Donnell: he got away lightly Peter but we all saw the video. Its a pity because he seems a decent lad other than that.