Duncan Ferguson is the only professional footballer in British history to go to prison for something he did on the pitch. In 1994 Big Dunc headbutted Raith Rovers' Jock McStay during a match, and he was sentenced to 44 days in Barlinnie Prison.
Off the pitch he was just as hard to mess with. Burglars broke into his house on two occasions. Both times he caught them and held on to them until the police arrived.
The Scottish striker played from 1990 to 2006 for Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle United. His record:
- 44 days in prison for the McStay headbutt
- so many headbutts on opponents that they became his trademark, along with several long bans
- 8 red cards over his career
Every defender in England was wary of him.
Why did Everton fans love Big Dunc?
Because he gave everything on the pitch, headbutts included. He is the only player on this list who went to an actual prison for what he did on a football field.
Tomorrow: number 17 among the villains.
