Eh! In the 1982 World Cup semi-final between West Germany and France in Seville, the most BRUTAL moment in football history occurred. French defender Patrick Battiston was through on goal in the 57th minute when German keeper Harald Schumacher CHARGED out and hit him with a hip-and-elbow assault that knocked him UNCONSCIOUS. Battiston lost three teeth, fractured vertebrae, and was carried off in a stretcher. Schumacher was NOT booked. NO foul given. Germany went on to win the match on penalties!
Year: 1982 Match: West Germany vs France Location: Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville Round: Semi-Final Category: Violence
The Moment
- French defender Patrick Battiston was running clear on goal when keeper Harald Schumacher charged out
- Schumacher hit Battiston with a deliberate elbow and hip combination that knocked him unconscious
- Battiston lost three teeth, suffered cracked vertebrae, and fell into a temporary coma on the pitch
- Dutch referee Charles Corver gave NO foul and NO booking for the horrific challenge
- Germany won the match on penalties — France robbed of a likely Final spot through non-action
The Verdict
Schumacher on Battiston is the most BRUTAL incident in World Cup history. A goalkeeper deliberately hospitalized a forward and faced NO consequences whatsoever. France were eliminated from a likely Final spot through a non-decision that has never been forgotten or forgiven. The DARKEST moment in goalkeeping history!
Tomorrow: #11 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
