Football is a game of passion, drama, and the occasional flying boot.
While the world watches the action unfold on the pitch, some of the most heated moments in the sport’s history have taken place out of sight, in the tunnels leading to the dressing rooms.
These narrow corridors have witnessed everything from feisty shoving matches to full-on brawls.
Let’s take a look at ten of football’s most unforgettable tunnel bust-ups.
1. Roy Keane vs. Patrick Vieira (2005)
The rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal was at its peak in the mid-2000s, and two of
the fiercest competitors, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, took their personal war to the tunnel
before a game at Highbury. Vieira had been targeting Gary Neville, and Keane wasn’t having
any of it. “I’ll see you out there!” Keane famously shouted as referee Graham Poll tried to
intervene. United had the last laugh, winning 4-2.
2. The Battle of the Buffet (2004)
Arsenal’s English Premier League unbeaten run ended at Old Trafford, but the real drama was
backstage. Cesc Fàbregas allegedly launched a slice of pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson in the tunnel,
leading to one of the strangest food fights in football history. United had edged a controversial 2-
0 win, but it was the “Pizzagate” incident that stole the headlines.
3. Steven Gerrard vs. Diego Costa (2015)
Liverpool and Chelsea games were always intense, but this one reached boiling point when
Diego Costa, never shy of controversy, clashed with Steven Gerrard in the tunnel at half-time.
After some heated words and a bit of shoving, teammates had to step in to separate the two.
Costa, as usual, walked away with his signature smirk.
4. Neymar vs. Nelson Semedo (2017)
A Barcelona training ground tunnel bust-up? Yes, indeed. During a session in Miami, Neymar
and Semedo had to be separated after a heated argument. It was a sign of things to come, as
Neymar left for Ligue 1 to join PSG just days later.
5. Leeds United vs. Derby County (2019)
The famous “Spygate” rivalry boiled over in the tunnel when Leeds United players mocked
Derby County with a chant about spying, following Marcelo Bielsa’s controversial scouting
tactics. Frank Lampard’s men did their talking on the pitch, however, beating Leeds in the
playoff semi-final.
6. Juventus vs. Inter Milan (1998)
Italy’s Derby d’Italia has seen many fiery encounters, but this one exploded in the tunnel. Inter
players, furious at a controversial penalty decision, confronted Juventus players and officials.
Punches were thrown, security intervened, and it took hours to calm tempers.
7. Chelsea vs. Tottenham (2016)
The infamous “Battle of the Bridge” was already a chaotic affair on the pitch, but things got
worse in the tunnel after Chelsea ended Spurs’ title hopes. Cesc Fàbregas and Spurs assistant
coach Jesus Perez reportedly clashed, while staff members from both teams had to be physically
restrained.
8. Manchester City vs. Manchester United (2017)
A post-match tunnel brawl erupted at Old Trafford after City players celebrated their derby
victory with loud music and champagne. Jose Mourinho stormed into the City dressing room,
demanding more respect. He got milk thrown at him instead. Classic Mourinho.
9. PSG vs. Marseille (2020)
Neymar, once again at the center of drama, clashed with Marseille’s Alvaro Gonzalez after a
bad-tempered game that saw five red cards. The altercation continued in the tunnel, with Neymar
accusing Gonzalez of racism, leading to further controversy.
10. AC Milan vs. Inter Milan (2005)
The Milan derby is never short on intensity, and in 2005, Adriano and Gennaro Gattuso nearly
came to blows in the tunnel. Security had to step in as both players hurled insults and attempted
to lunge at each other.
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