The most bizarre sporting moments of 2015

Nigel Pearson and Louis van Gaal seem to be responsible for most of them

Tom Sheen
Thursday 24 December 2015 05:40 EST
Comments
Nigel Pearson and Palace's James McArthur were involved in an altercation on the touchline
Nigel Pearson and Palace's James McArthur were involved in an altercation on the touchline (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

We've had a weird and wonderful 2015.

Long before Jamie Vardy was setting Premier League records and Leicester City were running away with the Premier League, the Foxes were led by Nigel Pearson, a man more likely to get into fights with players and liken reporters at press conferences to an ostritch. Are Leciester fans really better off now than they were?

Louis van Gaal may have Manchester United playing the worst football seen at Old Trafford in the last 30 years, but he has the full support of the fans largely because he is prone to say and do anything.

In sport we often expect the unexpected. We do expect Mario Balotelli to dominate the front pages as much as the back and he didn't disappoint on that front.

Wayne Rooney boxed. Tyson Fury dressed up as Batman. A dog ran onto a pitch.

Here's the weirdest things to happen in the world of sport in 2015. Where else can we start but with Pearson?

It started with that time he reminded everyone that he could 'look after myself' after grabbing Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur round the throat.

Then there was Ostrichgate. What a time to be alive.

Sam Allardyce won the mind games with Louis van Gaal - the Manchester United boss providing a dossier of stats to prove his team didn't play long ball

Then there was the seven-minute monologue at the club's end of season party - remember to thank the saxophonist

'Every week the fan's are shouting Louis van Gaal's army!'

Sticking with United captain Wayne Rooney caused a bit of a stir when video emerged of him being knocked out by Phil Bardsley

Rooney's boxing-themed celebration against Tottenham
Rooney's boxing-themed celebration against Tottenham (GETTY IMAGES)

Steven Gerrard ended his Liverpool career on a bit of a sour note, getting a red card just 38 seconds after coming on as a sub against United

A dog ran onto the pitch and absolutely took out a player in a women's match

Poor Hennes the goat. FC Koln striker Anthony Ujah got a bit too excited after scoring and pulled on his horns

Cesc Fabregas got sent off for kicking a ball straight at Chris Brunt's head. Arguably the last time the Spaniard has found his intended target

Roy Hodgson somehow snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in Ballon d'Or voting in favour of Javier Mascherano

Former Chelsea, QPR and Newcastle midfielder Gavin Peacock posted a series of sexist Tweets in the name of God

Storm Barney claimed an assist for a frankly hilarious non-League own goal

Gerard Pique and Shakira dressed up as a popular Spanish cartoon for a family portrait

Lewis Hamilton proved he was just as adept in a Mexican wrestling ring as he is in a Formula One car

Lewis Hamilton wrestling in Mexico
Lewis Hamilton wrestling in Mexico (2015 Getty Images)

Tyson Fury dressed as Batman. He went on to win the heavyweight title.

Celtic were forced to send a letter to smelly supporters to 'remind them to wash'

Jose Mourinho banned banter from the Chelsea dressing room (that was in September, it hasn't worked)

Sky Sports News presenters lost their marbles in a failed attempt to make #92Live even mildly entertaining

Gonzalo Jara became the ultimate wind-up act by 'inserting his finger into the anus' of Edinson Cavani - getting Cavani sent off

Clint Dempsey was sent off for tearing up a referee's notebook

Mario Balotelli posted a cryptic message of him in chains in a dungeon underneath Anfield

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in