Sometimes even the most experienced players crack and lose their head at the most inappropriate moments.
We take a look at some memorable 'red mist' moments...

Ortega’s Dragon Punch
With Argentina and Holland drawing 1-1 in the closing stages of their quarter-final in 1998, the atmosphere was understandably tense. So tense, in fact, that fiery Argentina midfielder Ariel Ortega, apparently unhappy with an aerial challenge by Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar, rose from the ground like a salmon to headbutt his opponent in one move, flooring Van Der Saar and earning him a straight red. Two minutes later, in the 89th minute, Dennis Bergkamp scored a memorable winner to knock Argentina out.

Rijkaard’s Spitting Image
Cool-headed Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard was sent off at Italia '90 for spitting at German opponent Rudi Voller in the San Siro. The match had an edge to it throughout and after Rijkaard was annoyed by Voller's challenge on goalkeeper Hans Van Breuklen and remonstrated with the German forward, the AC Milan star promptly spat at his nemesis, leaving a ball of spit hanging from his mullet. Voller retorted and both were given their marching orders in the 22nd minute.

Sidelined Aldridge hopping mad
After a famous victory over Italy, the Republic of Ireland were gunning for a place in the knockout stages of USA '94. And when they went 2-0 down against Mexico, action was needed. Quickly. Short-fused Liverpudlian John Aldridge was sent from the bench to save his side by Jack Charlton but when he was forced to wait for his introduction, he got somewhat irritated. Cue much ranting and raving on live TV, four-letter tirades and profuse sweating. Aldridge did get on, but could only pull one back as the Irish lost 2-1.

Schu must be joking
Arguably cold-blooded rather than hot-headed, the most famous act of violence at a World Cup occurred in 1982 yet was never punished. Germany were playing France in Seville and when the great Michel Platini played the ball through to send substitute Patrick Battiston through, Germany goalkeeper Harald 'Toni' Schumacher took decisive action by rushing out of his goal and jumping full force at the forward, leaving him prone on the floor and requiring medical attention. Incredibly no free-kick, let alone a booking, was given.

Brazil winger turns hard-man
With half-time approaching in their last-16 match at USA '94 with the game goalless, Brazil winger Leonardo took out his frustration on United States midfielder Tab Ramos with a vicious elbow to the head which fractured Ramos' skull. "I don't think he meant to hurt me," Ramos said afterwards. "I have no ill feelings. Whatever happens on the field happens on the field." The authorities disagreed and banned Leonardo from the rest of the tournament, which Brazil went on to win.

Zizou stamps his authority on Saudis
Zinedine Zidane is mainly remembered for his match-winning performance in the final as France won the 1998 World Cup on home soil. But things looked decidedly less rosy for the midfielder earlier in the competition when he was sent off for violent conduct in the group stage. Angered by a challenge during the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, the playmaker lost his cool completely and stamped on Saudi skipper Fuad Amin. He was red-carded and banned for two matches, including the last-16 win over Paraguay.

Maradona off in Spain
Having qualified for the second round of the 1982 tournament in Spain, Argentina were outclassed by Brazil in the group clash that followed. Three goals down against Brazil with five minutes to go, it was too much for young genius Diego Maradona to bear and the diminutive forward kicked out at Batista in a rage and was given his marching orders.