The Premier League’s biggest hot-heads

It’s no secret that the Premier League has some of the world’s best football teams, players, and managers, and is adored around the globe for the fast, physical, and high-quality football that’s on show week after week. But sometimes, things go a little too far and emotions take over on the pitch and in the interview room.

But which players, managers, and teams are punished the most for misconduct and bad behaviour?

Analysing data from the last five years, we’ve been able to reveal all, including the Premier League stars and clubs who receive the most severe fines.

The most penalised Premier League players last season

Over the last five years, Crystal Palace pair Luka Milivojević and Jordan Ayew rank as the Premier League’s most penalised players, ahead of Leicester and Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s hot-head Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has received more yellow cards than any other player since 2017/18 (47).

Ranking fifth, we have Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, ahead of Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha and Senegalese forward Sadio Mane. Next up, Crystal Palace’s James McArthur is followed by Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson. 

Just outside the top ten, we have serial hot-head Richarlison, who picked up 30 yellow cards and 1 red during his time at Watford and Everton. 

Once again, the data suggests that national team stars are more likely to pick up bookings, with 70% of those in our top 20 considered regulars for their country. 

The most penalised Premier League players of the last five years

The heaviest Premier League fines of the last five years

Premier League players are regularly fined for receiving red and yellow cards, but, sometimes, certain offences warrant more severe fines. 

Over the last five years, the heftiest fines have been issued to former Brighton forward Neal Maupay and ex-Everton man Richarlison, who were each given one match bans and ordered to pay £25,000 for improper conduct in May 2021 and July 2022, respectively. 

Next up, Watford’s former forward Troy Deeney was fined £20,000 in January 2019 for questioning the integrity of the match officials after his side’s 3-3 draw at Bournemouth, claiming referee David Coote ‘bottled’ big decisions. 

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden picked up a £19,000 fine in March 2022 for improper conduct. This involved posting comments on social media that were critical of David Coote’s refereeing performance during his team’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea.

Finally, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha’s £10,000 fine for improper conduct in January 2019 is the fifth-highest of the last five years. 

The most fined Premier League teams of the last five years

Comparing Premier League data by team over the last five years, West Ham have by far the worst disciplinary record, accumulating £120,000 worth of fines since 2017/18. Next up, fierce rivals Tottenham have received fines worth a combined £70,000, more than fellow London clubs Arsenal (£65,000), Chelsea (£47,500), and Crystal Palace (£45,000).

Meanwhile, Leicester (£42,500) ranks sixth, ahead of Manchester United (£40,000) and Watford (£25,000), while Leeds United (£20,000) and Aston Villa (£20,000) round out the top ten.

Interestingly, 35% of all club fines were issued for incidents of misconduct, while 31% were given for each of ‘mass confrontation’ and ‘surrounding a match official’, typically awarded for intimidating behaviour and continual complaining. 

The most heavily-penalised Premier League managers of the last five years

When looking at fine data for the last five years, it’s important not to overlook the managers. While they might be expected to lead by example, some are guilty of serious misconduct.

Leading the way, former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez picked up a £60,000 fine in October 2018 after making comments about referee Andre Marinner ahead of his team’s trip to Selhurst Park.

Meanwhile, recently-sacked Thomas Tuchel was fined a combined £55,000 in August 2022 for comments he made after a 2-2 draw with bitter rivals Tottenham.

Ranking third, managerial legend and recently-retired Neil Warnock picked up a series of heavy fines worth £40,000 during his spell at Cardiff City, after improperly questioning the integrity of the matchday officials during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

In fourth, we have former Everton manager Frank Lampard, who was fined £30,000 for post-match comments about referee Stuart Attwell’s performance, following his team’s Merseyside derby defeat in April 2022. Lampard insinuated that officials are more likely to give game-changing decisions to high-profile players and teams towards the top of the Premier League, like Liverpool.

Finally, ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was sent off and subsequently issued combined fines worth £23,000 after a touchline outburst over the awarding of a dubious goal-kick in December 2017, in a game that saw his team win 1-0 versus Swansea City.

Check out all the latest football odds at Casumo, including this weekend’s Premier League picks.