What Harald Schumacher did to Patrick Battiston in the 1982 World Cup semi-final is the most BRUTAL foul in the history of football. The German goalkeeper ran out and SMASHED into Battiston's face with his hip, knocking him unconscious, breaking his jaw, damaging vertebrae, and knocking out three teeth. Battiston was in a COMA. The referee? Gave a goal kick. NO FOUL!
Country: West Germany Position: Goalkeeper Career: 1972-1991 Clubs: FC Köln, Fenerbahçe, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Schalke 04
The Rap Sheet
- Nearly killed France's Patrick Battiston in the 1982 World Cup semi-final with a horrific collision
- Battiston lost three teeth, cracked vertebrae, damaged ribs, and was carried off on a stretcher in a coma
- The referee gave NO FOUL — it is considered the worst refereeing decision in World Cup history
- Schumacher showed no remorse, reportedly offering to pay for Battiston's dental work afterwards
- Was voted the most hated man in France for years after the incident
The Verdict
This was not a foul — it was an assault that could have KILLED a man. Battiston was in a coma, and the referee gave a goal kick. Schumacher didn't even apologize properly. If this happened today, he would be banned for life and probably arrested on the pitch!
Watch the Chaos
Tomorrow: #8 — Stay tuned for the next villain!
