By Martin Graham
There have been countless fiery moments in the Premier League, both for players and managers. Some were carefully crafted, others exploded in the heat of frustration, while a few were fueled purely by anger. by Mohamed Salah The recent claim that he had been “thrown under the bus” is just the latest addition to a long list of unforgettable emotional outbursts.
While Kevin Keegan’s famous “I’d love to” statement from the 1995-96 campaign remains one of the most memorable rants, many other incidents have shaped the league’s narrative. Here are 10 more episodes that left a lasting impression, along with what unfolded once the dust settled.
Mohamed Salah causes another storm
If Salah approaches the media, there is often a purpose behind every word. After a dramatic 3-2 win at Southampton in November 2024, he shocked supporters by hinting that he was “probably more out than in” regarding his future at Anfield. With his contract entering the final stretch and doubts over whether he would stay, the forward felt compelled to address the ongoing rumours, including talks of interest from the Saudi Pro League.
His comments increased the pressure on Liverpool’s leadership just as his contributions kept the team in the title race. At the time, Opta calculated that his goals and assists had netted 17 points, more than any other player in the Premier League. His influence was undeniable.
Five months later, Salah ended the uncertainty by signing a new two-year contract in April. However, the dynamic on the pitch changed. His production dipped to five goals and three assists in 18 games, and while fans backed him fiercely last season, the level of unwavering support hasn’t been as strong this time around.
Keane blasts his teammates on MUTV
On 29 October 2005, Manchester United had just suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat by Middlesbrough. During a post-match MUTV analysis segment, the injured Roy Keane offered one of the most blistering assessments of his team-mates ever recorded. Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, Edwin van der Sar, Alan Smith, John O’Shea and Kieran Richardson were heavily criticized.
The interview, however, was never meant to be broadcast. Sir Alex Ferguson insisted the recording be removed entirely and the footage was reportedly destroyed.
Just a few weeks later, on 18 November 2005, Keane’s distinguished 12-year tenure at Old Trafford was brought to an abrupt end. His contract was terminated by mutual consent and he joined Celtic when the transfer window opened in January.
BenÃtez’s infamous statement of “facts”.
In January 2009, Rafael BenÃtez produced one of the most unusual press conference moments in the Premier League. Declaring he wanted to “talk about facts”, he began reading a list aimed directly at Sir Alex Ferguson, criticizing the Manchester United manager’s behavior towards referees and complaints about scheduling.
The moment puzzled many. Liverpool were preparing to face Stoke City, not United, and the talk seemed to veer into unexpected territory. Although Benitez insisted he did not want to engage in “mind games too soon”, it was widely perceived that Ferguson had already gained the upper hand.
Liverpool’s form dropped immediately. A goalless draw at Stoke sparked a run in which they drew four games in a row and won just three of the next 10. The dropped points proved costly, and United eventually clinched the title, finishing four points clear of their rivals.
Chelsea accuses Gallas of extreme behavior
Moves between Chelsea and Arsenal were rare in 2006, which made the swap deal between Ashley Cole and William Gallas particularly explosive. Days after the switch, Chelsea released an extraordinary official statement accusing Gallas of refusing to play and even threatening to “score an own goal or be sent off” in the opening game of the 2006–07 season if he was forced to play.
Gallas acknowledged that he had wanted to leave, but denied making that threat. Despite winning back-to-back Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho, he failed to collect silverware during his four-year stay at Arsenal. In contrast, Chelsea lifted the Premier League, three FA Cups and the League Cup during the same period.
Rooney declares he wants out
Wayne Rooney recently criticized Salah for “destroying his legacy”, but he once faced a similar storm. In October 2010, Sir Alex Ferguson announced that Rooney had asked to leave Manchester United. Hours later, the striker released his own statement, suggesting he lacked confidence in the club’s ambition to recruit elite talent.
The situation took a dramatic turn. Within 48 hours, Rooney reversed course and signed a new five-year deal. In May 2013, he submitted a transfer request again, only to remain at Old Trafford and accept another new contract. He finally left in 2017.
Ronaldo accuses Manchester United of betrayal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview in November 2022 served as a modern echo of the Salah and Rooney controversies. Having returned to Manchester United with much fanfare in 2021, his relationship with the club soured. In the interview, Ronaldo stated that he felt “betrayed” and openly criticized Erik ten Hag: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show me respect.”
The fall was immediate. Ronaldo left for the World Cup in Qatar knowing he had played his last game for the club. On 22 November, United confirmed that his contract had been terminated by mutual consent.
Sterling pushes for trophies away from Liverpool
Aged just 20, Raheem Sterling ignited a stir in April 2015 when he told the BBC he had stalled contract talks, insisting he wanted success rather than a pay rise, despite a £100,000-a-week offer on the table. Although he did not explicitly state that he wanted to leave, the implications were obvious.
Shortly after, reports emerged that he had formally requested a transfer. The fans reacted angrily, and the final stretch of the season played out in a tense atmosphere. In July, he sealed a move to Manchester City for an initial £44 million. The decision paid off: he won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and five League Cups. However, each return to Anfield has been greeted with jeers.
Pearson’s “ostrich” showdown
Leicester City’s bid for survival in 2015 was full of drama, none more memorable than Nigel Pearson’s exchange with journalist Ian Baker. After the 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea, Pearson responded to questions about criticism of his players, accusing the reporter of having his “head in the sand” like an ostrich.
The confrontation escalated when Pearson mimicked the reporter, raising tensions before publicly apologizing. Leicester bounced back, winning three of their last four games to finish six points clear of relegation. However, Pearson’s relationship with the club’s owners remained uneasy and he was sacked that summer. His departure paved the way for Claudio Ranieri and a fairytale Premier League triumph the following season.
Kinnear hurls over 50 expletives
Joe Kinnear’s arrival at Newcastle United in 2008 surprised many after several years out of management. Barely a fortnight into his interim term, he launched into an extraordinary tirade with journalist Simon Bird during a press conference, furious at the newspaper coverage.
The tirade, which lasted around five minutes, drew dozens of exclamations and became one of the most infamous media clashes in Premier League history. Kinnear’s short-term role was later made permanent, but health problems forced him to step down in February 2009. He returned in 2013 as director of football, although that spell also ended within a few months.
Austin criticizes the officials and calls for the VAR
In November 2018, Charlie Austin’s frustration grew after Southampton had a goal disallowed for offside in a 1-1 draw with Watford. Furious, he blamed the referees, calling the decision a “joke” and arguing that the referees needed more support.
Austin’s comments added fuel to ongoing debates about technology in football. VAR debuted in the Premier League the following season, although complaints have continued, now aimed at the video assistants themselves.
