10 Premier League outbursts that shook English football

By Martin Graham

There have been countless fiery moments in the Premier League, delivered by both players and managers. Some were carefully crafted, others erupted in the heat of frustration, while a few were fueled purely by anger. Mohamed Salah’s recent claim that he had been “thrown under the bus” is only the latest addition to a long list of unforgettable emotional eruptions.

While Kevin Keegan’s famous “I would love it” declaration 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 mark, along with what unfolded once the dust settled.

Mohamed Salah sparks another storm

If Salah approaches the media, there is often purpose behind every word. After a dramatic 3-2 victory at Southampton in November 2024, he stunned supporters by hinting he was “probably more out than in” regarding his future at Anfield. With his contract entering its final stretch and doubts swirling about whether he would stay, the forward felt compelled to address ongoing rumors, including talk of interest from the Saudi Pro League.

His comments escalated the pressure on Liverpool’s leadership just as his contributions were keeping the team in title contention. By that stage, Opta calculated that his goals and assists had secured 17 points—more than any other Premier League player. His influence was undeniable.

Five months later, Salah ended the uncertainty by signing a fresh two-year contract in April. However, the dynamic on the pitch shifted. His output dipped to five goals and three assists across 18 matches, and while supporters fiercely backed him the previous season, the level of unconditional support has not been as strong this time around.

Keane tears into teammates on MUTV

On 29 October 2005, Manchester United had just endured a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough. During a post-match MUTV analysis segment, the injured Roy Keane delivered one of the most blistering assessments of his teammates ever recorded. Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, Edwin van der Sar, Alan Smith, John O’Shea, and Kieran Richardson were all harshly criticized.

The interview, however, was destined never to air. Sir Alex Ferguson insisted that the recording be scrapped entirely, and the footage was reportedly destroyed.Only weeks later, on 18 November 2005, Keane’s distinguished 12-year tenure at Old Trafford was abruptly cut short. His contract was terminated by mutual agreement, and he joined Celtic when the transfer window opened in January.

Benitez’s infamous “facts” declaration

In January 2009, Rafael Benitez produced one of the Premier League’s most unusual press conference moments. Declaring that he wanted to “talk about facts,” he began reading from a list aimed directly at Sir Alex Ferguson, criticizing the Manchester United manager’s behavior toward referees and complaints about scheduling.

The timing baffled many. Liverpool was preparing to face Stoke City, not United, and the speech appeared to veer into unexpected territory. Although Benitez insisted he didn’t want to engage in “mind games too early,” it became widely perceived that Ferguson had already gained the upper hand.

Liverpool’s form nosedived immediately. A goalless draw at Stoke sparked a run in which they drew four straight matches and won only three of their next 10. The dropped points proved costly, and United ultimately clinched the title, finishing four points ahead of their rivals.

Chelsea accuse Gallas of extreme behavior

Moves between Chelsea and Arsenal were rare in 2006, which made the swap deal involving 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 get himself sent off” in the opening match of the 2006-07 season if he was forced to take part.

Gallas acknowledged he had wanted to leave but denied ever making such a threat. Despite winning back-to-back Premier League titles under José Mourinho, he collected no silverware during his four-year stay at Arsenal. In contrast, Chelsea lifted the Premier League, three FA Cups, and the League Cup over the same period.

Rooney declares he wants out

Wayne Rooney recently criticized Salah for “destroying his legacy,” yet he once faced a similar storm himself. 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 once again submitted a transfer request, only to remain at Old Trafford and agree to another fresh contract. He eventually departed in 2017.

Ronaldo accuses Manchester United of betrayal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview in November 2022 served as a modern echo of Salah’s and Rooney’s controversies. Having returned to Manchester United with great fanfare in 2021, his relationship with the club deteriorated. In the interview, Ronaldo stated he felt “betrayed” and openly criticized Erik ten Hag: “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.”

The fallout was immediate. Ronaldo left for the World Cup in Qatar knowing he had played his final game for the club. On 22 November, United confirmed that his contract had been terminated by mutual agreement.

Sterling pushes for trophies away from Liverpool

At just 20 years old, Raheem Sterling ignited uproar in April 2015 by telling the BBC he had paused contract talks, insisting he wanted success rather than a pay rise—despite a £100,000-a-week offer being on the table. While he did not explicitly state he wanted to leave, the implications were obvious.

Soon after, reports surfaced that he had formally requested a transfer. Supporters reacted angrily, and the final stretch of the season unfolded under an atmosphere of tension. In July, he sealed a move to Manchester City for an initial £44m. The decision paid off: he won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and five League Cups. Yet, every return to Anfield has been met with jeers.

Pearson’s “ostrich” confrontation

Leicester City’s survival bid in 2015 was full of drama, none more memorable than Nigel Pearson’s exchange with reporter Ian Baker. Following a 3-1 home loss to Chelsea, Pearson snapped at questions regarding criticism of his players, accusing the journalist of having his “head in the sand” like an ostrich.

The confrontation escalated as Pearson mimicked the reporter, increasing the tension before later apologizing publicly. Leicester rallied, winning three of their last four fixtures and finishing six points clear of relegation. Nonetheless, Pearson’s relationship with the club’s owners remained uneasy, and he was dismissed that summer. His exit paved the way for Claudio Ranieri and a fairy-tale Premier League triumph the following season.

Kinnear unleashes 50-plus expletives

Joe Kinnear’s arrival at Newcastle United in 2008 surprised many after several years out of management. Barely a fortnight into his interim tenure, he launched an extraordinary foul-mouthed tirade at journalist Simon Bird during a press conference, furious over newspaper coverage.

The rant, lasting roughly five minutes, featured dozens of expletives and became one of the most infamous media clashes in Premier League history. Kinnear’s short-term role was later made permanent, but health issues forced him to step away in February 2009. He returned in 2013 as director of football, though that stint also ended within months.

Austin rails against officials and demands VAR

In November 2018, Charlie Austin’s frustration boiled over after Southampton had a goal disallowed for offside in a 1-1 draw with Watford. Furious, he blamed the officials, calling the decision a “joke” and arguing that referees needed more support.

Austin’s comments added fuel to ongoing debates about technology in football. VAR made its Premier League debut the following season, although complaints have continued—now directed at the video assistants themselves.