Everything you've ever wanted to know about
goalkeepers and a little bit more

Injuries are, of course, part and parcel of the game of football and the risk of a serious knock is an ever-present threat. But for some strange reason goalkeepers have a habit of picking up bizarre and, quite frankly, silly injuries. Most of the following were self-inflicted. Some are simply downright stupid. A surprisingly large number involve goalies who played at international level…

In 1975 Manchester United keeper Alex Stepney managed to dislocate his jaw while shouting at his defenders during a game against Birmingham City. Former England midfielder Brian Greenhoff replaced Stepney between the sticks and kept a clean sheet!

In 1998 goalkeeper Andy Dibble managed to pick up probably the most bizarre football injury of all time while playing for Barry Town against Carmarthen Town. The former Wales international was hospitalised after suffering chemical burns as a result of diving on the Richmond Park turf.

Did you know that David Seaman won his third England cap as a result of an injury sustained by Chris Woods? First choice goalie Woods cut his finger open after wrestling with the string on his tracksuit bottoms with a penknife and was unable to take part in the match.

Speaking of Chris Woods, he once missed half a season with Glasgow Rangers after contracting a nasty ear infection that affected his balance.

Spain's Santiago Canizares was ruled out of the 2002 World Cup in Japan & Korea after dropping a bottle of aftershave on his foot...

Gordon Banks missed England's World Cup Quarter Final against West Germany in 1970 after drinking a dodgy bottle of lager.

Another England goalie to fall foul of a bottle was former Wimbledon and Notts Forest keeper Dave Beasant. He was put out of action after dropping a salad cream bottle on his foot while making a sandwich...

Spare a thought for former Brentford goalie Chic Brodie, whose professional career was brought to an untimely end by a dog. The incident in question happened in a game against Colchester United in November 1970. The dog, a black-and-white terrier, had invaded the field of play a couple of minutes beforehand and was tearing around up-ending players and linesmen alike but the referee refused to bring a halt to proceedings. Just as Brentford's centre-half Peter Gelson played a back pass to his goalie, the mutt decided to chase the ball. Not expecting to see a dog on the pitch running towards him, Brodie kept his eye on the ball and as he bent down to scoop the ball up the energetic pooch leapt towards the keeper and sent him crashing to the ground. The ball span out for a corner, leaving Brodie writhing in agony on the floor with a shattered kneecap. Brodie never recovered from the collision with the dog and he later became a London taxi driver.

American goalkeeper Kasey Keller needed an unscheduled trip to the dentist in 1998 after knocking out his front teeth while pulling his golf bag from the boot of his car.

Another goalie to fall foul to injury in 1998 was former Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel. He managed to pull a hamstring while attempting to tackle Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp. Nothing wrong in that, you may think, but the tackle took place on the edge of Arsenal's 18-yard box…

Former Liverpool reserve 'Keeper Michael Stensgaard's Anfield career was brought to an untimely end after he managed to dislocate his shoulder while erecting an ironing board.

During England's opening game of the 1980 European Championships goalkeeper Ray Clemence had to leave the field of play after succumbing to the effects of tear gas. Italian police released the gas after trouble broke out on the terraces behind Clemence's goal.

Andy Goram withdrew from the Scotland squad that went to the 1998 World Cup Finals because he was not "mentally attuned".

Wales and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Crossley was forced to spend seven weeks in bed after landing on his backside whilst taking a goal kick during a pre-season friendly in Finland in 1997.

England and Arsenal 'keeper David Seaman missed the first half of the 1996/97 season after damaging his knee ligaments bending down to pick up his television remote control...He then went and almost ended his career by injuring his shoulder whilst trying to catch a fish. Must have been some cross.

Bending down to pick up a remote is obviously more dangerous than one would think. Fellow England international David James also managed to injure himself in a futile quest to change the channel.

Sunderland's Estonian keeper Mart Poom almost missed pre-season training during his time at Derby County after injuring his genitals in a charity match against an Iron Maiden XI of all teams.

Grimsby keeper Aidan Davison was felled by a hard-boiled egg during a Second Division play-off game against Fulham in 1998.

Almost as daft was the injury sustained by non-league Stalybridge Celtic's keeper, Mark Statham. He missed a game in 1999 after getting his head trapped in a car door.

Hungarian international keeper Karoly Zsak continued playing for his country until 1925 - winning 30 caps - despite having a finger amputated in the early 1920s.

In September 1999, Portsmouth goalkeeper Aaron Flauavan suffered the ignominy of fainting as he went to take a goal kick. The incident occurred ten minutes into the second half of the South Coast club's Worthington Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers and although he regained consciousness seconds later, the 23-year-old goalkeeper was substituted almost immediately. Funny thing was, it was the second time it had happened to the poor bloke. High blood pressure was apparently to blame. Flauavan later died in a car crash, thought to be the result of another blackout.

Jim Leighton has always been unlucky with injury, being forced off after just three minutes of his last ever game in the Scottish Cup final having sustained a nasty knock to the head. But the former Scottish international has also been forced off the field for some quite bizarre reasons. During a vital World Cup qualifying game, Leighton had to be substituted after dropping a contact lens on the pitch (He forgot to pack any replacements). He also nearly missed a Cup Final after sticking his hand into a revolving lawnmower...

German international Norbert Nigbur's football career was all but finished when he managed to tear the meniscus cartilage in his knee, locking it in the process, while standing up to leave the table at the end of a meal in a German restaurant in 1980.

In the summer of 2001, Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini suffered an injury whilst walking his dog. He somehow managed to tweak his knee and had to undergo a minor operation days later.

In 1911, a Dunfermline Athletic goalkeeper by the name of Slavin was stretchered off, apparently drunk.

In January 1902, Stoke City's Welsh international goalkeeper, Leigh Richmond Roose was laid low by food poisoning and lasted just ten minutes of a league game against Liverpool. A dodgy pre-match meal of plaice was to blame, leaving Stoke with only seven fit players to resume the game after half-time.

Everton and part-time England keeper Richard Wright missed the start of the 2003/04 season after falling out of his loft and injuring his shoulder!

Gillingham's Vince Bartram broke his wrist in a League game against Millwall at the start of the 2003/04 season. Nothing odd in that, you might think, but the injury was inflicted by his opposite number, Lions keeper Tony Warner, who collided with Bartram after coming up for a last-minute corner.

Just as he was on the verge of establishing himself as Barnsley's first-choice goalkeeper during their stint in the Premiership, German Lars Leese was laid low by a dodgy chicken and was out for two weeks with food poisoning, losing his place to David Watson in the process.

Millwall legend Bryan King was once felled by a practical joke that went wrong. Team "mate" Billy Neil was meant to pull his punch in a pre-match prank but ended up whacking his goalkeeper in the eye with his sovereign ring, leaving King with a wound that required six stitches. Manager Benny Fenton was not best pleased...

Manchester City's Frank Swift fainted at the end of the 1934 FA Cup Final, apparently overcome by the emotion of the occasion.

Wycombe Wanderers' Frank Talia missed the start of the 2004/05 season after slicing off one of his toes in a freak gardening accident. The Australian keeper injured himself after falling over while mowing his lawn.

Spare a thought for Vietnamese keeper Do Ngoc The, who was stabbed after keeping a clean sheet in a V-League game. The, who played for Danang, was attacked outside of a nightclub after his side caused something of an upset by beating Song Lam Nghe 1-0.

Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was ruled out of the start of the 2004/05 season after an outbreak of conjunctivitis at the Newcastle training ground, which put five first team players out of action.

Norwegian goalkeeper Thomas Myhre's run as first choice keeper at Everton came to an abrupt halt in 1999 when he broke his ankle in training while on duty with Norway's national side. Then, just when he looked set to return to full fitness and regain his place in The Toffees' first team, he slipped and fell in the bath, breaking his other ankle in the process!

In February 2004, Fenerbahçe's Volkan Demirel dislocated his shoulder when he fell over whilst throwing his shirt to fans after a 2-1 win against rivals Galatasaray. The injury put him out of action for three weeks.

In 1894, Queen's Park goalkeeper Andrew Baird found himself in an embarrassing situation during a Scottish Cup tie after getting his hand caught in the net. He could only watch as Rangers centre forward David Boyd scored for The Gers.

When Charlton Athletic played Newcastle United in the semi-final of the FA Cup in 1947, goalkeeper Sam Bartram played with a hot poultice on his stomach to counter the affects of food poisoning. Charlton won and went on to win the Cup.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar had to have a brain scan in 1993 after being hit on the head with a rock during a World Cup qualifying match between Zimbabwe and Egypt.

Another goalkeeper to be put out of action by a flying object was Celtic's Ronnie Simpson. While warming up for the second leg of their World Club Cup Final against Racing Club of Argentina in 1967, Simpson was struck on the head by a brick and was unable to play. Reserve John Fallon replaced him between the posts.

In April 2005, Brazilian goalkeeper Dida was injured after being hit by a flare thrown from the crowd during the Milan derby. The AC Milan keeper needed treatment for minor injuries and the game was later abandoned by referee Markus Merk.

Whilst touring Africa with Racing Club, Argentinian goalkeeper Carlos Roa contracted malaria, which saw his career with the club come to a premature end. He eventually moved to Club Atlético Lanús after he recovered.

In October 1987, Cyprus goalkeeper Andreas Charitou suffered a heart attack after he was struck by a firework thrown from the ground during a European Championship qualifier against Holland. The Dutch won the game 8-0 but UEFA ordered the game to be replayed while the fan who threw the missle was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings was once struck by a dart thrown from the crowd whilst playing in a League game for Arsenal at Nottingham Forest. The offending item was plucked from his arm by The Gunners' physio.

Romanian Helmuth Duckadam's career was brought to a premature end by a rare blood disorder. The former Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper, who save four consecutive penalties during the 1986 European Cup Final penalty shoot-out, was forced to retire just months after Steaua beat Barcelona.

In 1987, Argentine goalkeeper Nery Pumpido almost lost a finger in a freak training ground accident when he caught his wedding ring on a rogue nail on the crossbar

In April 2006 Bayern Munich reserve goalkeeper Michael Rensing somehow managed to injure first choice keeper Oliver Kahn during the German international's warm-up routine. While casually firing shots at Kahn before Bayern's game against Arminia Bielefeld, Rensing accidentally struck one too well, bruising Kahn's eye in the process. The injury was so bad that Rensing had to replace the veteran in the starting line-up.

Newcastle United's Shay Given had to be rushed to hospital following a collision with West Ham's Marlon Harewood in 2006 which perforated his bowel. Medical experts believed it was the first time that the injury, which is more common in car crashes, had occurred in a game of football.

In November 2006, Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny required twelve stitches after he had his eyebrow bitten off in a drunken brawl in a curry house in Halifax.

Tommy Lawrence's international career with Scotland ended in ignomy in 1969 when a collision with the crossbar during a Home International game against Wales brought a premature end to his involvement in the game.

Kaiser Chiefs and South Africa goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez once had to be hospitalized after being bitten by one of his pet spiders.

Austrain goalkeeper Otto Konrad has been in the wars on more than one occasion during his career. Two years after being hit on the head by a bottle while playing AC Milan at the San Siro for Casino Salzburg, Konrad again required treatment for first degree burns after being hit in the face with a flare. The hapless keeper was playing for Real Zaragoza at the time in a game against Bilbao.

With his side flirting with relegation, Guarani goalkeeper Adriano Pitarelli had obviously upset one or two spectators with his performances and needed urgent medical attention after fans stoned his car whilst driving home from a match in 1996.

When Brazil played Tunisia during their African Tour of 1973, the Tunisian goalkeeper fell and broke his shoulder after being bamboozled by a shot from Rivelino.

Antigua goalkeeper Janiel Simon, a landscape gardener by trade, was forced to miss his side's World Cup qualifier against Cuba in the summer of 2008 after damaging his right eye with a "weed-whacker", which left him needing surgery with a "50/50" chance of regaining his sight.

French international Gregory Coupet tore a medial knee ligament in 2007 after getting his foot stuck in a net during traing. If that wasn't enough, he required seven stitches in his hand in 1996 after droping a plank on it while building a shelf to display his trophies!

Polish keeper Wojciech Szczensy's Arsenal career suffered a setback during the 2008/09 season when the youngster contrived to break both of his arms after slipping in the gym. The freak accident was blamed on the keeper's choice of footwear!

In April 2004, a game between Rochdale and Scunthorpe United was held up due to Rochdale keeper Neil Edwards needing medical attention after being nipped on the arm while trying to remove a goose from the field of play.

The first known transfer between the two Old Firm clubs in Glasgow came about as result of a wayward nail in a goalpost. At the start of the 1906-07 season, Celtic's Davey Adams was sidelined after cutting his hand on the nail, which had been inserted for a five-a-side tournament, during a benefit match at Ibrox. Short of goalkeeper, Ranger's reserve custodian Tom Sinclair was loaned to Celtic and went on to pick up a Glasgow Cup winner's medal in the process.

During the 1954 World Cup Quarter Final between Austria and Switzerland, the host's goalkeeper Eugene Parlier, along with two of his defenders, succumbed to sun stroke and complained that he couldn't see the ball - which may go some way to explain the 7-5 scoreline...

Glasgow Rangers' German goalkeeper Stefan Klos missed the start of the 2006/07 season after he fell off his bike during a cycling holiday in Switzerland.

Burton Albion's Paul Evans was struck by a piece of wood thrown from the crowd during an FA Cup tie in 1985. The keeper was knocked out but was forced to continue between the sticks after the referee refused to abandon the game. Leicester went on to win 6-1 but the Football Association ordered a replay after examining the evidence, which the Foxes won by the more respectable scoreline of 1-0.

In February 2011, Sport Club do Recife goalkeeper Saulo Fontes managed to tear his knee ligaments while celebrating his last-minute winner against Vitória in a Brazilian league game. He was sidelined for six months as a result.

In 1954, West Bromwich Albion keeper Norman Heath's career came to an abrupt halt following a collision with Sunderland's Ted Purdon. The Baggies goalie sustaind severe neck and back injuries that unfortunately required him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Coventry City's Reg Matthews once managed to knock himself out after colliding with his own crossbar!

Northern Ireland international Roy Carroll has certainly had an interesting career, including a freak injury when he went to retrieve some footballs from the back of his goal. The incident happened while Carroll was with West Ham after he caught his foot in the netting, injury his knee and putting him out of action for the start of the new season.

In September 2013, Borussia Dortmund's backup keeper, Mitch Langerak, lost two front teeth after colliding with the post unsuccessfully trying to stop a Lorenzo Insigne freekick during a Champions League game against Lazio. To make matters worse, Langerak had to continue playing have replaced Roman Weidenfeller, who had been sent off in the first half.

Austria Wien goalkeeper Franz Wohlfahrt was involved in a controversial incident during a UEFA Cup tie against Ajax in September 1989 when he was a hit and injured by an iron bar thrown by an opposition supporter. Ajax were subsequently was banned from European competition for a year.

In January 2015, Scunthorpe United lost not one but both of their recognised goalkeepers before half-time with broken arms in a game against Bristol City. First choice keeper Sam Slocombe was replaced after just eight minutes by substitue Jamie Severn, who also broke his arm in a collision with City's Matt Smith in a one-on-one. Defender Andy Boyce took the gloves and went in goal but was unable to prevent Scunthorpe slipping to a 2-0 defeat.

A bizarre injury to Lincoln City's Jack Kendall helped Wigan Borough recored their best ever win back in March, 1923. With Borough already two up, Kendall was knocked out when the ball rebounded off the woodwork and struck him in the back of the head. He was stretchered off and taken to hospital while teammate George Greaves went in goal and conceded a further seven goals as Wigan triumphed 9-1.

In April 2013, Kwame Tor Noah of Ghana side Brong Ahafo Stars was stabbed in the eye in a game against Universal Stars by their goalkeeping coach, Lamine Issaka. Issaka took exception to an incident at the other end of the field which saw the Stars keeper injured in a challenge and was seeking revenge in order to "level things up".

Oxford City goalkeeper Victor Francoz sustained a calf injury after he fell from a tree trying to rescue a cat that had got stuck.

Liverpool Under-23 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher suffered a bizarre injury in November, 2016 after he was bitten by a fly and ended up on crutches after a bad reaction. The young Irish keeper suffered an infection as a result of the bite that put him on the sidelines for a couple of days.

Back in the 1970s, Shoot! magazine told the tale of the unfortunate goalkeeper of Finnish Second Division side KIF Helsinki (later known as Kiffen Helsinki) who was attacked by a home fan during an encounter away to Puotila. The fan ran onto the pitch and sprayed tear-gas from an aerosol can into the eyes of the keeper, who then conceded a goal as he struggled to clear his temporary blindness. The referee saw sense and disallowed the goal but during the melee that followed between KIF and the fan in question, the keeper injured his hand and had to be substituted. The game ended 0-0.

Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme accidentally broke his hand at half-time during a game against Bristol City in March 2013 after punching the club's tactics board in the dressing room in frustration. Ikeme had made a mistake in the first half that led to City taking the lead and following some strong words with boss Dean Saunders lashed out at the cardboard piece of equipment. Unfortunately he struck a metal bar at the back of it and was ruled out for the rest of the season, with Dorus De Vries replacing him on the day.

Liberia goalkeeper Nathaniel Sherman suffered serious injury when he walked into in a glass panel at the team hotel while on international duty in September, 2015. The glass shattered, damaging the retina of his right eye.

Aberdeen's Jamie Langfield was ruled out of the start of the 2010/11 season after a kettle full of boiling water fell on his foot.

Rapid Vienna goalkeeper Georg Koch ended up in hospital when a firecracker thrown from the stands exploded nearby, sending him deaf in his right ear, during a clash against city rivals Austria Vienna. Rapid won the game 3-0.

German international and FC Schalke goalkeeper Hans Klodt missed the entirety of both the 1942 and 1943 season after being injured at the front during the Second World War. Unlike the British equivalent, football in Germany continued to be played at professional level up until 1944.

In May 1886, Burslem Port Vale's Billy Rowley broke two ribs during a 'friendly' against local rivals Stoke City and needed to be revived by a tot of whisky. Vale took exception to the rough play of their counterparts and the matter went to court, where Stoke were forced to pay £20 to charity. However, the Potters got their own back by signing Rowley, who went on to play over one hundred games and later managed the club.

Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois suffered an ankle injury while playing basketball at the club's training ground, ruling him out of several games in April, 2017. The game was organised by the club and was being filmed as part of their commercial duties with the NBA. Manager Antonio Conte was reportedly not best pleased.

In 1991, during the Copa Libertadores semi final between Colo-Colo of Chile and Argentina's Boca Juniors, a police dog named Ron bit the backside of Boca goalkeeper Carlos Navarro Montoya during what became known as the Battle of Macul. With Montoya trying to pick a fight with anyone and everyone, he got too close to the dog, who attacked the goalkeeper and refused to let go of his shorts, much to the delight of TV viewers. The Boca goalkeeper was treated after the game but it took a while for his pride to heal. Ron meanwhile became something of a celebrity in Chile and although the dog died in 1992, fans still visit his grave.

Celtic goalkeeper Peter Latchford was also bitten by a dog while playing for the Reserves against St. Mirren at Love Street back in 1987. The English keeper was nipped while trying to remove the stray canine from the pitch and had to got to hospital for a precautionary injection.

AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Kenny Allen received a rather strange injury in September, 1979 during a game against Tranmere Rovers. With the Cherries 5-0 to the good, an elderly gentleman left his position on the terraces behind the goal, entered the field of play and proceeded to whack Allen across the backside with his walking stick, leaving the keeper with a bruised bottom.

Scottish Championship team Queen of the South hit the headlines in February, 2018 when their youth team goalkeeper Sam Henderson was injured by a runaway cow on his father's farm. The young keeper sustained a shoulder injury that made him a doubt for this side's next match but the incident saw him thrust into the spotlight around the world and the butt of some very poor bovine-related jokes!

Wojciech Szczesny was put of action for four months after a freak accident at Arsenal's training ground gym back in 2010. The Gunners' goalkeeper slipped during a weight training exercise and ended up breaking bones in both hands after the weights fell on them.

England international Ben Foster was sidelined for six months at the start of his career with Stoke City after he injured his cruciate ligament during the summer of 2003 while playing tennis against his brother.

Boubacar Barry was knocked unconscious in May, 2013 during a Belgian Pro League game between Lokeren and Club Brugge. With the game barely five minutes old, the Ivorian collided with his goalpost after diving to save a shot from Brugge striker Carlos Bacca and was stretchered off the field by paramedics.

Peruvian international goalkeeper Erick Delgado was ruled out of action for his club Sporting Cristal in 2007 when he suffered burns to his feet after playing football on an artificial pitch during a heat wave.

Former Russia, Hull City and CSKA Moscow manager, Leonid Slutsky, who kept goal with Russia's Zvezda Gorodishche as a teenager, was forced to retire from playing at the age of 19 after he sustained a knee injury falling out of a tree while rescuing a neighbour's cat.

Uruguayan goalkeeper Juan Obelar, who counted Peñarol and Millonarios among his many clubs, was forced to retire in November 2013 after he lost four fingers on his left hand following an accident at home involving a mechanical wood plane.

RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi suffered one of the oddest goalkeeping injuries of all time in March 2018 when he managed to dislocate his finger while performing a fist pump to celebrate his side scoring against Zenit St Petersburg in a Europa League clash.

Bernard Hall's goalkeeping career came to an end after he collided with Middlesbrough forward John O'Rourke while playing for Bristol Rovers on New Years Eve, 1966. The incident left Hall in a coma in hospital for 16 days and although he recovered he was unable to resume his career.

Australian Jamie Young was forced off injured during an Asian Champions League game between Brisbane Roar and Muangthong United in Thailand back in April, 2017, thanks to a suspect fixing on his goalpost. The goalkeeper sustained a nasty gash on his arm trying to keep the ball out of his net for Muangthong's opener when he scraped it against a rusty hook.

Jimmy Massey, who kept goal for Doncaster Rovers and The Wednesday at the end of the 19th Century, was forced to give up the game after he lost an eye in a coal mining accident.

Norwegian goalkeeper Kim Deinoff needed treatment for a rather strange injury during a game for Aalesund against Sandefjord in June, 2004. Just before half-time, Sandefjord defender Andreas Augustsson bit the goalkeeper on the arm, earning a red card for his trouble.

Back in September 1957, Lazio goalkeeper Roberto Lovati ended up needing treatment after a series of curious events. With only seconds remaining of a Serie A home match against Bologna, the Rome side were winning 4-3 when the referee awarded a penalty to the away team. Disgusted by the decision, the keeper turned his back on play as Bologna's Gino Pivatelli stepped up to take the spot-kick. However, Pivatelli's effort struck the back of Lovati and rebounded back into play. The Lazio pounced on the ball, only to break his finger in the process. Lazio held on to win.

England's Jordan Pickford almost missed England's World Cup semi-final against Croatia in 2018 thanks to a self-inflicted injury. Aiming to punch the floor in frustration during his side's game against Sweden, he hit his knee and ended up hurting his thumb but recovered in time to take his place in goal.

Dundee United goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet put himself out of action for over six months after tearing his cruciate ligament celebrating his side's winning goal against Dunfermline in the play-offs at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Another goalkeeper who endured a spell on the sidelines after celebrating a goal was Lazio's Federico Marchetti, who managed to pull his hamstring during a game against Sampdoria in December 2015 sprinting down the pitch to join his teammates following Alessandro Matri's late goal.

Bayer Leverkusen's Stefan Kiessling accidentally knocked out SC Paderborn goalkeeper Lukas Kruse with a thunderbolt of shot that smacked Kruse square in the face during their teams' clash in the Bundesliga in March 2015. Despite being out cold for a number of minutes, Kruse was able to continue but was unable to prevent Paderborn from slumping to a 3-0 defeat.

Juventus keeper Antonio Chimenti put himself out of action back in 2010 after he punched a table in the Juve dressing room and managed to break his hand in the process...

Sailsbury City goalkeeper Ryan Clarke was forced to missed the start of the 2008/9 season after he fractured a metatarsal in his foot after stepping on a rock whilst on holiday. The injury saw him lose his place in the Sailsbury team but Clarke went on to play over 200 times for Oxford United.

Southport goalkeeper Kevin Thomas ended up in A&E in 1975 after the club, who were bottom of the Football League, invited hypnotist Romark to cast a spell over the squad in the hope of beating Watford ahead of a home meeting between the two sides. While under the influence of the hypnotist, Thomas walked into a metal beam and cut his forehead open.

The wonderfully named Archie McFeat was knocked unconscious in his last game for Torquay United in 1948 after a shot from Leyton Orient's Frank Neary smacked him in the face.

In May 2018 Scunthorpe United's Matt Gilkes was forced to leave the field after injuring himself throwing the ball to a teammate during his side's play-off game against Rotherham United. The goalkeeper was attempting to launch a counter-attacked but as he threw the ball his momentum carried him into a 360-degree flip. He went down clutching his knee and immediately signalled to the bench that he was in trouble.

Liverpool's Adrian ended up in the treatment room in August 2019 after he saved the winning penalty at the end of his side's European Super Cup game against Chelsea. As the goalkeeper and his teammates celebrated, a fan ran onto the pitch and slipped over, catching Adrian and injuring him in the process.

Scotland's Alan Rough suffered a broken foot after his wife's horse stepped on it prior to an international against Belgium in December 1979. Despite the injury, Rough still played the game, with the physio cutting a hole in the goalkeeper's boot to reduce the pressure. Scotland lost 3-1.

Chelsea's Peter Bonetti required medical attention following an FA Cup third round tie against Carlisle United after he was hit on the head by a slate tile thrown from the crowd during the match in January 1969.

Harry Prince's time at Port Vale was curtailed after he stubbed his toe taking a goalkick during a war-time game against Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road in 1944. In a display of poor sportsmanship, Crewe ignored the goalkeeper as he lay injured on the ground and put the ball in the net.

Small Heath goalkeeper Jack Dorrington's career was almost curtailed in the most unexpected manner. Having suffered a cut knee during an FA Cup tie against Oldham Athletic in 1911, the goalkeeper opted not to undergo treatment when it became inflamed because he wanted to play in the replay, leading to blood poisoning that required emergency surgery. Doctors admitted that had he waited another day, Dorrington would have lost his leg.

Back in February 2021, Panetolikos goalkeeper Christopher Knett missed a Greek Super League game against Panathanaikos after burning his hand while cooking a steak at home.

Early in 2022, Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein faced up to two months on the sidelines after suffering a freak injury after tripping up and falling at home. The keeper, who was on loan at Reading at the time, managed to tear ligaments away from the bone in his thumb as a result of the accident.

Altay goalkeeper Ozan Evrim Ozenc became something of an internet sensation, if that's the right word, after footage of him being attacked by a Goztepe fan with a corner flag went viral. The Turkish goalkeeper was hit from behind in the 25th minute during a stoppage in play in the first half before his assailant was restrained by players and security staff. Ozenc received only minor injuries but the game was abandoned regardless.

Mozambique goalkeeper João Kapango became something of an YouTube sensation after he decied to do an unnecessary forward role while making a routine claim of an overhit pass during an African Cup of Nations clash against Benin in 2010. As well as almost conceding a goal in the process, he injured his neck and had to leave the field of play.

Newport County's Joe Day fell victim to a spider bite while on loan at Yeovil Town in November 2023 that resulted in a stay in hospital. Doctors believed Day had a reaction to a bite from a false widow, which swelled up on two occasions and needed to be drained. He recovered in time to take his place between the sticks for an FA Cup game against Gateshead the following day.

Joe Day is not alone when it comes to spider bites. In June 2023 Inter Miami's Nick Marsman was hospitalised for three days after being bitten by a poisonous spider during a trip to the zoo with his family.

Fulham goalkeeper Doug Flack once injured his shoulder when he dived trying to stop a stray dog entering the pitch, but missed the dog and had to be stretchered off for the final few minutes of the match in question.

Died in Action

Of course, some injuries can prove to be fatal. Spare a thought for the African goalie who was killed along with the rest of his side by a single bolt of lightning that struck during a game between Bena Tshadi and Basangana in the Congo in October 1998. But while Bena Tshadi lost all eleven men, the entire Basangana side escaped injury. Witchcraft was mentioned but a more rational explanation was found in the differing choice of studs between the two sides…

In 1931, Celtic's John Thompson died from a fractured skull after colliding with Rangers striker Sam English during an Auld Firm game at Ibrox. The young keeper, who was only 23 at the time and had four Scotland caps to his name, was rushed to hospital but never recovered consciousness. It was later discovered that his skull was thinner than normal. His death produced such an out-pouring of grief in Glasgow that 20,000 mourners gathered at the city's railway station when Thompson's coffin returned home.

Another Scottish goalkeeper to lose his life between the sticks was Dumbarton's Joshua Wilkinson, who died from peritonitis two days after a particularly rough clash against Glasgow Rangers in 1921.

Malaga's Jose Gallardo died from a brain haemorrhage in January 1987, a month after receiving a blow to the head in a collision during a Second Division game against Vigo.

In 1934 Charlton Athletic's keeper Alex Wright lost his life after demonstrating his match winning saves from the game the day before off Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay. Standing on top of a raft, he dived into the shallow waters and broke his neck on the rocks below.

In 1977 Libardo Zuniga, a winger with Columbian Second Division side Santa Rose de Cabal, took over in goal after his keeper was injured and played a blinder. Unfortunately for Zuniga, his performance was so good that it upset the opposition's striker, who vented his frustration by kicking the stand-in goalie in the groin with such force that he subsequently died from the injuries sustained in the attack.

Wolves goalkeeper James Utterson died at the age of 21 from a kick to the heart he received during a reserve game in 1935.

Guatemala international keeper Danny Ortiz died after colliding with an opponent during a league match. The 27-year-old Municipal custodian collided with Comunicaciones forward Mario Rodriguez and suffered a blow to the chest, which briefly left him unconscious. Ortiz, who once played for Comunicaciones, died later in hospital.

In August 2001, CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died after falling into a coma following an accidental clash of heads with an opposing player during a Russian premier league match.

In 1936, Sunderland goalkeeper James Thorpe died from a diabetic condition three days after turning out for the Rokerites against Chelsea in what has been described as a "physically demanding game". Thorpe was injured during the game but refused treatment and many at the time believed that his injuries triggered a relapse of his condition that had laid dormant for two years.

In February 2005, Nedzad Botonjic, goalkeeper for Slovenian side NK Ljubljana, collapsed and died during a training session with the First Division side.

Benin's Under-20 goalkeeper Yessouffo 'Campos' Samiou died from neck and arm injuries after being attacked by disgruntled fans following his side's 3-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria in their opening game at the African Youth Championship in January 2005.

Ron Brebner, who kept goal for the English team that won gold at the 1912 Olympic Games, died as a result of head injuries sustained while keeping goal for Leicester Fosse.

In 1905, Peñarol's goalkeeper died after an accidental collision with a Montevideo forward. When news broke of the keeper's death, Peñarol's fans sought revenge by setting fire to the railway carriages carrying the Montevideo team home. No one was injured but the club's owners just happened to be the railway company, who did not take too kindly to the burning of their train and terminated their involvement with the club.

In 1991 goalkeeper Vijendra Singh of the Iqram Institute club in Ghaziabad, India was killed after a fight broke out following a cup semi-final game against the Times Institute.

Spare a thought for Colombian goalkeeper Conio Vazques who, in March 1996, saved three penalties during a shoot-out only to be gunned down after the game by a drugs baron who had bet heavily on an opposition victory.

In 1984 Dutch goalkeeper Erik Jongbloed, son of Holland's World Cup keeper Jan Jongbloed, was tragically killed when he was struck by lightning during a four-tier game between Amsterdamsche Football Club Door Wilskracht Sterk (DWS) and VV Rood-Wit. The incident happened towards the end of the first half as Jongbloed, who normally left such activites to defender Rob Stenacker, went to take a goalkick as a thunderstorm raged overhead. He was buried in his kit during a service attended by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels.

Sylvain Azougoui, who kept goal for AC Bongoville in Gabon, also lost his life in tragic circumstances on the football field. The keeper had just stopped a shot on goal when the opposition striker, Aboubacar Bakayoko of Centre Mberi Sportif, slipped on the wet grass and landed on the Azougoui's head. The 30-year-old from Benin died on the way to hosptial.

18-year-old Australian goalkeeper Stefan Petrovski died after lightning struck goalposts at the training ground of Malaysian club Melaka United in April, 2016. His team-mate Muhd Afiq Azuan was also injured in the freak accident but survived.

Icelandic goalkeeper Jón Kristbjörnsson suffered a serious head injury on the last day of the season in Iceland in June, 1933 when he collided with an opponent from KR Reykjavik. The Valur stopper was taken to hospital for treatment but died as a result of his injuries a week later.

MTK goalkeeper Gabor Zsiboras collapsed and slipped into a coma during a training session with the Hungarian national side in late August, 1993. He died a week later.

Former Southampton St. Mary's goalkeeper Jack Barrett died from blood poisoning after being struck on the leg by a cricket ball.

Indonesia veteran Choirul Huda lost his life in a freak accident during a match between Persela and Semen Padang in October, 2017. Huda, 38, died after sustaining a trumatic injury following a collision with teammate Ramon Rodrigues de Mesquita in the 44th minute of the match played at Surajaya Stadium.

Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Noel George was forced to retire due to gum disease in 1928 and died a year later. His manager Frank Buckley was convinced that his death was a result of ill-fitting dentures and ensured that any players with false teeth made regular visits to the dentist.

Juventus youngster Riccardo Neri sadly died aged just 17 in 2006 when he drowned after attempting to retrieve a stray football from a lake at the club's training ground at the end of a practice session.

Israel international Avi Ran was killed when a speedboat struck him during Maccabi Haifa's championship title celebrations that were taking place on a beach on the edge of the Sea of Galilee.

Russian goalkeeper Alexander Shishmarev lost his life during a training match between Krasnaya Zvezda and Baltika-M in August 2021 after a collision with an opposition player. The Krasnay keeper swallowed his tongue as a result of the accident and suffocated, despite the best efforts of medical staff.

Swedish goalkeeper Anders Karlsson, who played over 400 times for Örebro SK, died in November 2015 after falling through the ice while speed skating. His body was not found until the following April.

Arbroath goalkeeper James Gordon died from a ruptured liver three days after he was accidentally kicked in the stomach during the closing stages of a game against Glasgow side South Western in August, 1883.

Stade Olympique de l'Est goalkeeper Georges Le Bidois died in the dressing room after sustaining an injury during the last game of the season against US Suisse Paris in March 1927. The keeper received a kick to his carotid artery from Switzerland international Aron Pollitz and succumbed to his injuries minutes later. The game was abandoned shortly afterwards.

Mohamed El-Mokhtar passed away in March 2024 after an accidental collision with one of his teammates during a training session with his club AS Douanes. The 22-year-old suffered a concussion and was rushed to intensive care but failed to regain consciousness after falling into a coma.