Serena Williams’ obscenities at the US Open showed that underneath the tough exterior, our sporting stars are vulnerable human beings.
Goran Ivanisevic Smashes his RacketsGoran Ivansevic swore the roof off in the Samsung Open at Brighton in 2000. Having only brought three rackets with him, the likeable Croat went through them with more alacrity than his serve. The first two were disposed of in a waste bin. The third one, price £179.99, soon followed after a double fault. At this point, Goran informed tournament supervisor Gerry Armstrong: “I have no rackets left.” Armstrong announced to the spectators that Ivanisevic could not continue because of “lack of appropriate equipment.”
Chris Broad Smashes his StumpsOne of England’s best openers before the Mike Atherton era, Broad had a tendency for temper tantrums. Amid the infamous Shakoor Rana-Mike Gatting storm in Pakistan, he refused to walk after being given out and had to be persuaded to depart the field by his skipper Graham Gooch. He followed this a month later by smashing down the stumps in the Bi-Centenary Test in Sydney. In 1989 he was finally given the elbow after mouthing an obscenity at the umpire. .
Byun Jong-II Sits in Protest
The South Korean boxer was so angry at losing his bantamweight fight at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, that he sat in the ring for 67 minutes in protest. That wasn’t strong enough for his coaches, who launched a physical assault - and probably a few Korean obscenities - at the New Zealand referee, as did the bodyguard assigned to protect him.
Tommy Bolt Throws Away his Clubs“Terrible”Tommy Bolt wasn’t a bad golfer, winning the US Open of 1955, but he was notorious for temper tantrums and tour suspensions. On one occasion, he threw so many clubs away during a round that, after abusing his caddy for giving him a 2 iron for a 7 iron shot, the caddy replied: “It’s the only one you’ve got left."
On Bolt's death in 2008, World Golf Hall of Fame CEO Jack Peter said: ”He swore like a sailor when he thought it was only men around."
Roy Keane Walks Out at World Cup 2002
Roy Keane was sent home from the World Cup in Japan and South Korea for launching a foul-mouthed outburst against Irish boss Mick McCarthy.
Keane told McCarthy. "Mick, you're a liar... I didn't rate you as a player, I don't rate you as a manager, and I don't rate you as a person. You're a f……. wanker and you can stick your World Cup up your arse. The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country! You can stick it up your bollocks.”
Ayrton Senna Throws a Punch at Japanese Grand PrixFamous for his run-ins with rival Alain Prost, the brilliant Brazilian took it out on one of the circuit’s new boys at the 1993 Japanese Grand Prix.
Apparently, Senna burst into the Jordan team office after the race and punched debutante driver Eddie Irvine for not showing enough respect. Ian Phillips, Jordan’s Commercial boss, reported Senna for a “serious physical assault.” Senna told Irvine: "You're not a racing driver, you're a f***ing idiot!"
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