It is always so heartwarming to see players doing good things and showing sportsmanship spirit on the field. The growing competition and high stakes have made it a rare scene for us. Even though there are many bold athletes who keep their morals above anything else and perform sportsman-like conduct.
10. Arsene Wenger’s Fairplay against Sheffield
In a FA Cup matchup between Arsenal and Sheffield United, Arsene Wenger showed everybody why he is one of the greatest managers of all time. His new recruit Nwankwo Kanu had taken the ball from the opposition when there was a player injured on the field and set up a goal for his teammate Marc Overmars.
Arsene Wenger instantly ordered his team to give the opposition a free goal and repent for their actions. However, his good deed didn’t go unrewarded as his team later continued to win the match.
9. Real Madrid’s tribute to Eric Abidal
The tragic collapse of Fabrice Muamba where he was presumed dead for 74 minutes straight had everyone depressed. Everyone was praying for his recovery. During this, another fellow footballer was going through hardships. Eric Abidal’s condition was bad and he was supposed to have a severe liver transplant.
To show them respect and pray for their fast recovery Real Madrid performed a goodwill gesture on the field. The Whites player were seen with t-shirts reading “Get Well Soon Muamba” and “Ánimo Abidal”.
8. Ajax vs Cambuur Fairplay
Having their one player injured, the Ajax player kicked the ball and by mistake scored a goal he was not supposed to. However, later the team awarded their opposition with a free goal for their blunder.
7. Alassane Plea ties the opposition goalkeeper’s laces
In a Bundesliga matchup between Gladbach and Leipzig, everyone was amazed when Alassane kneeled down to tie his opposition goalkeeper’s shoe laces. As it takes a lot of effort to take the gloves out for a goalkeeper, Plea took to his hands to help Peter Gulasci tie his laces.
Even though it took Alassane himself plenty of time to tie the shoelaces, it was a heartwarming gesture from the Frenchman’s side.
6. Costin Lazar declines the penalty
In a Roman League matchup between Rapid Bucharest and Otelul Galati, we get to witness one of the most sportsman-like conduct by the Rapid player Costin Lazar. He was tackled by the Galati defender and tumbled down from above him. The referee mistook this phenomenal tackle for a foul play and called for a penalty.
However, Lazar told the match referee that it was not a penalty multiple times. Even though, the referee was static on his decision and commenced the penalty with a drop ball. But the Rapid player being firm on his morals shot the ball for a goal kick.
5. Leeds United 2019 Fair Play Goal
Marcelo Bielsa and his team were awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award after his fair decision of letting the opposition score unopposed. In a matchup between Leeds United and Aston Villa, things got out of hand when Mateusz Klich scored a goal unaware of the fact that the opposition forward Jonathan was injured hurt.
His goal incited anger in the Villa’s players and the coach. However instantly after The Whites’ manager, Bielsa ordered his team to let the opposition score without any obstruction. Unable to deny, Leeds player stood stationary as The Villa scored an equalizer.
4. Frank Ordenewitz admission to handball
It was just the second year of the FIFA Fairplay Award when the German footballer was awarded for his elegant sportsmanship.
In the second half of a match against Cologne, Frank committed a handball in his own penalty area. However, this went unnoticed by the match referee until the player himself admitted to his foul. Cologne capitalized on the penalty to make the scoreline 2-0.
3. Paolo Di Canio’s graceful catch
In a Premier League matchup between Everton and West Ham, everybody in the stadium was seen giving a standing ovation to Paolo Di Canio’s Bold Fairplay.
It was a 1-1 scoreline and it was an equal exchange. The ball was in possession of West Ham when the opposing Goalkeeper sustained an injury near his penalty area. However, when Paolo was given a beautiful pass in the penalty area from his teammate he caught the ball and paused the play of the opposing goalkeeper’s injury.
2. Denmark’s magical medic team
Close to the end of the first half of the game between Denmark and Finland, the atmosphere took a hard turn. All the overjoyed audience in Denmark’s home stadium were struck with fear as they saw their hero collapse.
Danish footballer Christian Eriksen encountered a cardiac arrest and suddenly fell to the ground. However, his team and medical experts were fast to react and stopped a tragedy from happening. His teammates made a human wall around his treatment area to create a better environment for the medics.
1. Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg double fairplay
In a Bundesliga matchup, Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg were battling it out for the throne. However, the results were of not much importance as both the teams gave a lovely performance and showcased how Fairplay is a part of the game.
Both the teams were nil on the scoreline and trying to score. This is when Martinez in an attempt to keep the possession kicked the ball towards his own goal line. However, the Spanish footballer encountered a hamstring pull and couldn’t reach the ball.
After Javi left the field, it was time for Vfl Wolfsburg midfielder Arnold to take the corner shot. Arnold showcased his share of Fairplay by kicking the ball towards the goal line. In return, Alaba of the home team shot the ball straight into the opposition’s half into no man’s land. Everybody in the Allianz Arena stood up to congratulate the teams for their Fairplay showcase.
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