Top 10 Famous Sports Controversies
People all over the world love sports, which have not only become a source of physical fitness, but also entertainment. Football, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Basketball, F1 Racing, athletics etc. are some of the most famous sports in the world, however, there have been some controversies associated with these sports too, which have damaged the overall reputation of an individual or entire team.
Although the list of these controversies is a big one, we will only discuss the top 10 ones, which have really made a negative impact on several individuals.
Instructions
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1
Team orders in Formula 1
One of the biggest problems in F1 racing is team orders. There has always been a number one driver in each team, who gets favour from the management. The latest controversy related to team orders came in the second race of the 2013 season in Malaysia, when Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel refused to hold his position behind team-mate Mark Webber.
Both drivers were advised to hold their positions towards the ending moments of the race, but Vettel wanted to win and overtook his partner to claim victory in the end. It is speculated that Red Bull deliberately created this situation in order to allow the reigning world champion a chance of winning the race.
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2
Renault crash controversy
In 2008, another F1 controversy surprised one and all. Renault driver Nelson Piquet JR was ordered to crash on lap 14th in order to give a sporting advantage to team-mate Fernando Alonso, who eventually went onto win the race.
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3
Jane Blalock cheating controversy
Professional golfer Jane Blalock was accused of cheating while playing a shot, but she went to the court to prove her innocence. The saga continued for three years between 1972 and 1975, but the accused was proven innocent at the end of the day.
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4
Italian football scandal
In 2006, some players were accused of influencing the referee in a match. Once the evidences were given, professional footballer Reggina was banned from the sport and several other people were charged with different punishments.
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5
The Rose scandal
Pete Rose, former baseball player, was accused of betting in a match, and was banned from the sport for life.
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6
1966 and 1986 FIFA world cup scandal
The final of the 1966 FIFA world cup saw a controversial goal, which decided the outcome of the match. The ball hit the pole and then bounced inside the goal, which many people claim was an illegal score.
Another incident which marred yet another Football world cup final in 1986, was the 'Hand of God' goal by Argentina's Diego Maradona against the English side.
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7
Bloodgate
Rugby player Harlequins faked an injury using blood capsules in 2009 and wasknocked out of the Heineken Cup.
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8
Paralympics scandal
In 2000, the Spanish Paralympics team was disqualified, as the players with no disability were found.
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9
Spot fixing controversy
Three Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were found guilty of influencing and bowling deliberate no balls, and were banned from all forms of cricket for several years.
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10
Lance Armstrong doping controversy
Lance Armstrong was considered to be the best cyclist, but was stripped of his titles following revelations and consequently confessions that he used performance enhancing drugs throughout his career.
