In 2006, Manchester City's Premier League game against Portsmouth was ruined by one of the most terrifying tackles you'll ever see.
With a lackluster 0-0 draw, the match that should have been quickly forgotten by fans on both sides.
However, the match will forever be recorded in Premier League history after city man Ben Thatcher's malicious tackle on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes in the second half.
The ball was initially redirected by Pompey's defense after a City corner.
When Mendes dashed to the right-back in an attempt to clear the ball, Thatcher came in with an extremely late tackle. Thatcher elbowed Mendes, grabbing the Portsmouth man by the jaw and knocking him to the ground.
At the time, referee Dermot Gallagher only showed Thatcher a yellow card for a foul.
At the end of the game, Greater Manchester Police received "several" complaints from the public about Thatcher's tackle.
As a result, police spoke to Mendes to see if he wanted to take legal action.
Later, Portsmouth coach Harry Redknapp said:
“The FA needs to do something.
“It is there for all to see. I do not want to see anyone suspended but how could that possibly not be a red card? What do you have to do to get a red, kill someone?”
Whilst Thatcher made a public apology, he said:
“Immediately after the game I tried to find out how Pedro was. I have written to him today apologising for what happened.”
City also decided to suspend Thatcher indefinitely and fined him two weeks' wages.
Manager at the time, Stuart Pearce said:
“What happened on Wednesday was indefensible. “Any form of discipline will be discussed at the board level, maintained internally and we will continue. I can assure everyone that it hits the player very hard. No bravery about it. He went home, turned on the TV and watched the challenge. The more you watch it, the worse it gets. "Ben is very sad but I hope he learns from it. He's an aggressive player but sometimes there's a red fog and he crosses the line. I asked my team to play their best but but the fair but when they cross the line it's up to me to make sure I steer them in the right direction.
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