The Curious Case of Red Cards and Player of the Match Awards
It’s a football paradox: a player sent off, yet still deemed the best on the pitch. Believe it or not, it’s happened more than a few times. The question, posed by Jimmy Clark, sparked a fascinating look back at some memorable matches where disciplinary action didn’t necessarily equate to a poor performance.
Recent Examples of Dismissal and Accolades
In 2024, Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United found himself in this very situation against West Ham. He was shown a second yellow card just as commentators were naming him player of the match. Similarly, Amad Diallo of Manchester United scored a winning goal in an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool in 2024, only to be sent off for removing his shirt in celebration – and still walked away with the player of the match award, voted for by fans.
A History of Controversial Choices
The phenomenon isn’t new. Lauren James, while playing for Manchester United in 2019, was sent off after being announced as player of the match during a 3-0 Women’s Super League victory over Spurs. Even further back, in 2006, Lee Steele scored both goals for Chester City in an FA Cup match, received two yellow cards (one for celebrating with the crowd) and still saw his team reinstated in the competition after their opponents were expelled for fielding an ineligible player.
The Ultimate Paradox: Federico Valverde
Perhaps the most striking example comes from the 2020 Spanish Super Cup final. Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde was awarded player of the match because of a red card – a tactical foul to prevent an almost certain goal. The decision, made by Spain head coach Luis Enrique, highlights how impact can sometimes outweigh discipline.
Symmetrical Scorelines: A Rare Footballing Phenomenon
Beyond individual accolades, football offers other statistical curiosities. Jason Smith’s question about symmetrical goalfests – teams repeating the same scoreline in both legs of a league fixture – led to some intriguing discoveries.
Record-Breaking Goal Differentials
While a 5-4, 4-5 double-header is rare, Charlton Athletic and Plymouth Argyle hold the record for the most aggregate goals in symmetrical results in English league history, with a combined 60 goals across eight matches between 1959-60 and 1962-63. This surpasses other examples like Torquay and Millwall (14 goals) and Aston Villa and Blackpool (12 goals).
International Symmetry
The highest aggregate symmetrical scoreline, however, comes from the Dutch Eredivisie. In the 1983-84 season, Utrecht beat Excelsior 7-4, and Excelsior returned the favour with a 7-4 victory in the return fixture, totaling 22 goals.
Loyalty Rewarded: Managers with Unwavering Commitment
Ed Ricketts’ nomination of Guy Roux as an almost-one-club manager is compelling. Roux managed Auxerre for an astonishing 1,747 matches over 44 years, with a brief return to Lens for seven matches being the only exception – representing 99.60% of his managerial career with Auxerre.
Scottish Title Winners: A Select Group
Rory and Paddy’s question about players winning the Scottish title with multiple clubs in the last 40 years highlights a relatively exclusive club. Kenny Miller and Mo Johnston have both achieved this feat, with Craig Gordon potentially joining them this season. Mark Brown and Steven Pressley also appear on the list, though primarily as squad members.
Knowledge Archive: Corner Kicks and Hat-Tricks
Recent matches have seen remarkably few corners, prompting a question about the lowest number recorded. Matches with fewer than three corners are rare, but they do occur. The question of whether a match has ever been played without any corners remains open for investigation.
Hat-Tricks and Man of the Match Awards
Alan Shearer’s comment about a hat-trick guaranteeing a man-of-the-match award isn’t always true. There have been instances where a player scoring a hat-trick didn’t receive the accolade, though the specific circumstances vary.
FAQ
- Has a player ever won player of the match after being sent off? Yes, several examples exist, including Anthony Gordon, Amad Diallo, and Lauren James.
- What is the highest aggregate score in symmetrical league meetings? Utrecht and Excelsior hold the record with 22 goals (7-4 and 7-4).
- Who is the most loyal manager in football history? Guy Roux, who managed Auxerre for 44 years, comes very close to being a one-club manager.
Can you help? We’re seeking information on the most number of permanent managers a club has had in one season, matches with the fewest corners, instances of hat-trick scorers not winning man of the match, and the most well-travelled non-travelling player or manager. Share your knowledge!
