In the 1982 World Cup semi-final, Harald Schumacher committed what many regard as the most brutal foul in football history. The West Germany goalkeeper ran out and slammed his hip into Patrick Battiston's face. The Frenchman was knocked unconscious. He lost teeth, cracked vertebrae and damaged ribs, and he was carried off on a stretcher in a coma.
The referee gave a goal kick.
Why is the Battiston foul still talked about?
Partly because of the decision, which is widely called the worst refereeing call in World Cup history. Partly because of what came after. Schumacher showed no remorse, and he reportedly offered to pay for Battiston's dental work. For years afterwards he was voted the most hated man in France.
The goalkeeper played from 1972 to 1991 for FC Köln, Fenerbahçe, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Schalke 04.
This was not a foul. It was an assault that could have killed a man, and it ended with a goal kick. Schumacher never properly apologised. If it happened today, he would be banned for life and quite possibly arrested on the pitch.
Schumacher and Battiston, 1982
Tomorrow: villain number 8.
