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Top footballers who were involved in an 'ugly spat'

Dubai - We list out some of the footballers who had an ‘ugly spat.’

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France international Marcus Thuram was banned for six matches and fined 40,000 euros ($48,936) by the German football federation (DFB) after he spat in the face of an opponent.

The 23-year-old winger, the son of famous French footballer Lilian, spat at defender Stefan Posch during a Bundesliga game between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Thuram was given marching orders following a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review after he was initially shown a yellow card for the offence.

Spitting in football has been an ongoing debate, especially more so during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Here, we list out some of the footballers who had an ‘ugly spat.’

* Frank Rijkaard, Holland vs Germany 1990:

This incident involved two of the greatest footballers with Dutchman Frank Rijkaard spitting at Germany’s Rudi Voller during the 1990 World Cup. And the needle between the two continued with Rijkaard having another go at him after both were sent off.

* Francesco Totti, Italy vs Denmark, 2004;

Italian striker Francesco Totti spat at Denmark’s Christian Poulsen during a game at Euro 2004. He was banned for three matches by the Uefa, Europe’s governing body.

* Fabien Barthez, WAC Casablanca vs Marseille, 2005:

This incident saw then France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez spit at Moroccan referee Abdellah El Achiri during a friendly between WAC Casablanca and Marseille. Barthez was handed a six-match ban.

* Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United vs Derby, 2009:

Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo too was involved in one during his time at serial English Premier League winners Manchester United. Ronaldo appeared to spit at Derby’s Robbie Savage after a foul.

* Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona vs Malaga, 2008:

Argentine ace and FC Barcelona wizard Lionel Messi too made the list after was seen spitting at the back of Malaga’s Duda during a game in 2008.