The Premier
League is famous for dramatic goals, nail-biting comebacks, and record-breaking
transfers. But tucked away in its history are some records so unfortunate and
extraordinary that fans and players would much rather forget them.
From record-breaking losing streaks to lightning-fast red cards, the PL has produced some truly eye-watering moments that have earned a place in football folklore for all the wrong reasons.
Fastest
red card
Imagine
stepping onto the pitch and being sent off before even touching the ball. That
was Keith Gillespie’s fate, who was dismissed for Sheffield United just 13
seconds after being subbed on against Reading in 2007.
After
replacing Derek Geary early in the second half, Gillespie immediately swung his
elbow into the face of Stephen Hunt while the ball was still out of play for a
throw-in. The referee deemed this violent conduct, and Gillespie was
subsequently shown a red before the game had even restarted.
It’s the
kind of record that’s both tragic and hilarious, and in today’s more tactically
aware game, it feels almost untouchable.
Most own
goals
Richard
Dunne holds the unwanted record for the most own goals in PL history, with a
total of 10 across his time with clubs like Everton, Man City, Aston Villa, and
QPR.
Dunne wasn’t
a bad defender by any means and was, in fact, Man City’s Player of the Year for
four consecutive seasons. But sometimes, he just got too involved, and with
great involvement comes great risk.
His own
goals often came from split-second reactions, misplaced clearances,
deflections, or touches that went horribly wrong.
His unwanted
record may raise smiles, but it’s also a reminder of how defenders live on the
edge. One mistimed tackle can be the difference between a hero’s block and a
shameful blunder.
The worst
season ever
Some PL
records are best left uncelebrated, and Derby County’s disastrous 2007-08
season holds a frightening number of them.
They set the
record for the fewest wins in a season, managing just one against Newcastle,
while also enduring the longest winless streak of 32 games.
Their
struggles didn’t stop there. They ended the campaign with the fewest points in
a season, with only 11, eight of which came from draws.
They scored
a meagre 20 goals, the fewest in a season, and also ended with the worst goal
difference of 69, tied with Sheffield United after their 2023-24 season.
Most
yellow cards
Not many
players are known for their outstanding discipline, but Lee Cattermole has made
a career out of being booked.
Not only
does he have the most yellow cards in a single PL season with 17, but he also
holds the record for the most yellow cards in PL history, with a total of 91 in
271 matches.
He was known
for his fiery temperament, relentless energy, and crunching tackles, and his
record is a reminder that passion and aggression can make a player vital to a
team, but can come with an obvious cost.
Most
missed penalties
Penalties
are some of the most high-pressure moments in football. Throughout PL history, there
have been moments of glory and heartbreak from the spot. And sometimes even
legends have off days, as Wayne Rooney holds the record for the most missed
penalties in the PL with 11.
What makes
this particularly interesting is that Rooney was otherwise a prolific goal
scorer, with over 200 PL goals.
His record
is just a reminder that football is human, and even the best can get it
wrong.
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