Seven memorable moments from birthday boy Paolo Di Canio

Swindon Town scuffle (2011)
As a coach Di Canio proved to be no less divisive, and in a spell as Swindon manager famously got into a scuffle with new signing Leon Clarke as his side were beaten in the then Carling Cup by Southampton. Clarke appeared to argue with a fitness coach and it wasn’t long before his new boss became involved.

Take a peek at the kerfuffle:

Sliding for Sunderland (2014)
Di Canio endeared himself to the Sunderland support by guiding his side to a first Tyne-Wear derby victory for 13 years against Newcastle United, who the Black Cats beat 3-0. The coach hit the headlines, of course, by sliding across the pitch on his knees to celebrate, Jose Mourinho-style.

See his joyous celebration:

Refereeing ruckus (1998)
During a short stint with Sheffield Wednesday fan favourite Di Canio first alerted English fans to his on-pitch temper by pushing referee Paul Alcock, who fell rather ungracefully, evidently disagreeing with the decision to send him off against Arsenal. The forward was later banned for 11 games.

View the notorious scuffle here:

Superb sportsmanship against Everton (2000)
Di Canio wasn’t all about the drama, and Goodison Park duly awarded the West Ham man with a standing ovation, as he caught a cross and spurned a striking opportunity to stop play after Toffees keeper Paul Gerrard twisted his knee. How nice.

The act of sportsmanship:

Penalty petulance and passion (2000)
A 5-4 thriller against Bradford City, though it ended up as a win for West Ham, is mainly remembered for Di Canio’s struggle with regular spot kick taker Frank Lampard. After Paul Kitson was brought down in the box, the Hammers hitman insisted on taking the penalty burden from his teammate, grabbing the ball from the Englishman, and luckily for him converted with aplomb.

See the squabble here: