History is made in moments of chaos and contention. In sports, these moments transcend the game, creating legacies of scandal and controversy. Here, we recount 10 of the most jaw-dropping incidents that not only shook the sports world but also sparked debates and changed the course of competitions forever.
The Hand of God (1986)
In the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, Diego Maradona used his hand to punch the ball into the net against England, a play that went unseen by the referees. Maradona later described it as “The Hand of God.” This controversial goal contributed to Argentina’s victory and has been debated ever since for its blatant violation of the rules.
Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan Attack (1994)
Figure skating took a dark turn in 1994 when Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a hitman commissioned by the ex-husband of her adversary, Tonya Harding. Kerrigan’s knee was struck, sidelining her from competition. The incident, known as “The Whack Heard Round the World,” led to Harding’s eventual ban from skating.
Zidane’s Headbutt (2006)
At the 2006 World Cup final, France’s Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi after a verbal exchange. Zidane was sent off with a red card in his final professional match, which left a dark mark on his illustrious career. Italy went on to win the match in a penalty shootout.
Don Denkinger’s Blown Call (1985)
In the pivotal Game 6 of the 1985 World Series, umpire Don Denkinger mistakenly judged Kansas City’s Jorge Orta as safe at first base. It led to a Royals rally and a subsequent win, eventually securing them the championship in Game 7. The blown call remains one of baseball’s most infamous officiating errors.
Deflategate (2015)
Throughout the AFC Championship game, accusations of deflating footballs below the league’s regulations sparked the Deflategate scandal involving the New England Patriots in 2015. An investigation implicated quarterback Tom Brady, who was suspended for four games. The dispute stirred arguments concerning sportsmanship and competitive integrity, which led to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny in the NFL.
Seoul Olympics Boxing Scandal (1988)
At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Roy Jones Jr. dominated his boxing match against South Korea’s Park Si-Hun, only to lose in a controversial decision by the judges. Despite landing far more punches, Jones was awarded the silver medal. The debacle highlighted bias and corruption in Olympic judging, leading to calls for reform in how matches are scored.
Serena Williams vs. Naomi Osaka (2018)
The 2018 US Open women’s final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka was overshadowed by controversy when Williams was penalized for code violations, including receiving coaching, smashing her racket, and verbally abusing the umpire. The penalties led to Osaka’s triumph but ignited discussions regarding sexism, racism, and fairness in tennis officiating.
Kentucky Derby Disqualification (2019)
Controversy marred the 2019 Kentucky Derby as Maximum Security, the first to finish, was disqualified for interfering with other horses. The victory was awarded to Longshot Country House. It marked the first time in Derby history that a winning horse was disqualified for interference, prompting debates about racing rules and their enforcement.
Missed Offsides Call (1980)
During the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals, a missed offsides call in Game 6 allowed the New York Islanders’ Butch Goring to assist in a critical goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. This error shifted the game’s momentum, helping the Islanders secure a win in overtime and clinch their first Stanley Cup.
Badminton Scandal (2012)
The 2012 London Olympics witnessed significant contention in the women’s doubles badminton. Eight players from China, South Korea, and Indonesia were expelled for intentionally losing matches to secure more favorable positions in the knockout stage. This scandal led to widespread criticism and discussions about the integrity of competitive sports and the need for stricter enforcement of fair play rules.