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20 Greatest European Championship Moments of All-Time

By Jon O'brien

Famous figures from football history gathered on the pitch before the European Cup final between Leeds United and Bayern Munich, (back row from left) Marquitez, Matt Busby, Miguel Munoz and Keizer, (front row from left) Francisco Gento, Raymond Kopa, Jose Augusto, Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)
Famous figures from football history gathered on the pitch before the European Cup final between Leeds United and Bayern Munich, (back row from left) Marquitez, Matt Busby, Miguel Munoz and Keizer, (front row from left) Francisco Gento, Raymond Kopa, Jose Augusto, Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images) /
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Michel Platini of France during the Semi Final Football European Championship ( Euro 1984 ) between France and Portugal, Marseille, France on 23 June, 1984( Photo by Michel Barrault / Onze / Icon Sport via Getty Images )
Michel Platini of France during the Semi Final Football European Championship ( Euro 1984 ) between France and Portugal, Marseille, France on 23 June, 1984( Photo by Michel Barrault / Onze / Icon Sport via Getty Images ) /

Manuel Amoros’ headbutt

While Platini was busy showcasing his silky smooth skills, teammate Manuel Amoros was busy showcasing his talents as a streetfighter.

Following a challenge from Danish opponent Jesper Olson in the opening game of Euro 1984, the French defender spectacularly saw red – rather stupidly right in front of the referee.

Amoros initially attempted to throw the ball at Olson’s head before deciding that a headbutt would be a more appropriate punishment. Incredibly, despite this blatant display of thuggery, Amoros tried to dispute his inevitable dismissal, but his argument fell on deaf ears and he wasn’t seen again until he came on as a substitute in the final.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the last time that a Frenchman would receive his marching orders in a major tournament for losing his head – although Zinedine Zidane’s moment of World Cup madness ultimately proved to be far more costly.

Next: Marco van Basten’s volley