Top 10 longest bans in English football history

Any player who violates the FA's code of conduct is subject to sanctions ranging from fines to lengthy suspensions

Football is a game that evokes passion and emotion, which can sometimes boil over into unsportsmanlike and unacceptable conduct. Every player who violates the English Football Association's code of conduct is subject to sanctions ranging from fines to lengthy suspensions. This article will examine the top 10 longest bans in English football history.

10. Paolo Di Canio- 11 games

Paolo Di Canio, who was banned for eleven games in 1998 for pushing a referee, is ranked tenth. Di Canio was playing for Sheffield Wednesday at the time of his outburst, which occurred after his club was awarded a contentious penalty kick. This act only heightened the Italian forward's reputation as a violent player.

9. Luis Suarez- 4 months

Luis Suarez, who received a four-month ban and was banned for nine international matches in 2014 for after being found guilty of biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini. The Liverpool forward bit the defender during the latter stages of the 1-0 victory that secured Uruguay's place in the knockout stages of the World Cup 2014.

8. Vinnie Jones: 6 months

Vinnie Jones appears at number eight, having been banned for six months in 1992 for a brutal tackle on Manchester City's Peter Reid. At the time, Jones was playing for Wimbledon, and the tackle was deemed "one of the worst in football history." Fans and players alike were outraged by the incident, which prompted to calls for a ban on rough play.

7. Kolo Toure: 6 months

Seventh on the list is Kolo Toure, who was suspended for six months in 2011 after failing a drug test. At the time, the Ivorian defender for Manchester City tested positive for a banned substance. Toure maintained his innocence, stating he had taken a slimming supplement containing a banned substance.

6. Adrian Mutu: 7 months

At number six is Adrian Mutu, who was suspended for seven months in 2004 due to a positive cocaine test. The Romanian striker was one of Chelsea's top scorers at the time he was playing for the club. His suspension dealt a devastating blow to Chelsea's title chances and brought attention to the issue of drug usage in football.

5. Rio Ferdinand: 8 months

Rio Ferdinand ranks fifth with an eight-month penalty for failing a drug test in 2004. The Manchester United defender claimed he had forgotten about the test, but the Football Association judged him guilty of wrongdoing. The suspension dealt a devastating blow to United's chances of reclaiming the Premier League championship.

4. Eric Cantona: 9 months

Eric Cantona, who was banned for nine months in 1995 for kung fu kicking a Crystal Palace fan, is ranked fourth. The event occurred following Cantona's dismissal from a game at Selhurst Park, and the Frenchman's kung-fu kick was filmed by cameras and televised worldwide. Manchester United, who were vying for the Premier League and FA Cup double that season, were severely hampered by the suspension.

3. Mark Bosnich: 9 months

Mark Bosnich is ranked third with a nine-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine in 2003. The Australian goalkeeper was one of the club's highest-paid players at the time he was playing for Chelsea. His suspension was a significant embarrassment for Chelsea and once again brought attention to the issue of drug usage in football.

2. Joey Barton: 18 months

Joey Barton ranks second with a 2017 suspension of 18 months for betting on football games. The controversial midfielder had a history of on-field infractions, but he was harshly penalized for his off-field behavior. Barton's career was effectively ended by the suspension, and he has subsequently become a commentator and coach.

1. Enoch West: 30 years

In 1965, Enoch West was banned for 30 years for attacking a referee. He is ranked first. At the time, West was playing for Bradford Park Avenue, and his assault on the referee during a match against Millwall was one of the most frightening occurrences in the history of English football. The suspension basically put an end to West's career and served as a reminder to other players that violent behavior toward officials would not be allowed.

In conclusion, the English Football Association has a responsibility to protect the game's standards and penalize those who violate them. These ten players' suspensions serve as a reminder that football is a reflection of society and that unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.