Madness. I tell you

The Beautiful game has often served up a few 'different' contributors. Those who steer away from the mundane and the norm. Those who do the unthinkable, on and off the field. Let's have a look at a few...

Carlos Valderrama

He wasn't that much of a nutter, but then again, if you're sporting a mop of hair like this...I too would wonder. Colombian midfielder during the 90's and not too bad at it either. Quite revered in the MLS for his on-field exploits. If not that, he'd be remembered for his hair.

Thomas Gravesen

You wouldn't first hand think Tommy was a nutter, right? Well the Danish midfielder, known for his industry at Everton which subsequently resulted in a move to Real Madrid FC...which didn't last long, has done a few things which may change your mind. At a training session, he proceeded to whip out his penis and threatened to slap Jesper Gronjkaer on the head with it. He also got booked for scaling an advertising board while taking a throw-in. Oh and the stares!!!

Rene Higuita

There are the mazey runs from his own box. The simulation. The free kick he scores and of course that famous scorpion kick save. Another Colombian with a different way of doing things.

[Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira] PEPE

Another player i don't really need to say much about. Some of you may remember this moment of utter insanity from the defender. Then there's been the sending off in the El Clasico and maybe let's throw in the stamp on Messi not too long back for added effect. Quite a talent, but a player I'd not like to play with...or against for that matter.

[Djalma Feitosa Dias] DJALMINHA

Widely regarded as one of the most natural footballers to come from Brasil. The audacity to try anything on the pitch, with the ability to match that. Unfortunately though, Djalminha's vicious temper got the better of him and it's [more] what we speak of today. Incidents of spitting on a referee, spats with teammates are all overshadowed by his 'coming to blows' with Depor coach Javier Irureta, which saw the Brasileiro headbutt his coach. What could've been...but for the madness.

Duncan Ferguson

Nothing to see here, right? Ha ha. The Toffees front man was rightly nicknamed 'Disorderly' for his antics. Numerous stories of him 'happily' beating people up contribute to his reputation as a bit of a different chap. He likes racing pigeons, mind you...

Gennaro Gattuso

The video adds to what is already known of this short-fused, tough-tackling Italian. Quite diminutive in stature, you'd be mistaken if you're thinking he couldn't hold his own in midfield. Fun sized madness.

Joey Barton

Remember the cigar in eye incident? The erm tackle on Etuhu. The punch in chest of Gamst Pedersen. The assaulting of a teammate. The tweets...need i continue?

In closing we could mention an eccentric ultra in Paolo Di Canio who doesn't mind shoving the odd referee OR there's the kung-fu master who knew a thing or two about football, seagulls & trawlers, but I'll leave you with this picture.

Thanks again for joining me, as we looked at a few out of the ordinary contributors to the game of Football.