Top 10 Controversial Transfers

Following Peter Odemwingie's desperate attempt to join QPR, Matt Stanger takes a look at ten transfers surrounded by controversy, riots, burning effigies and a pig's head...

A look at 10 football transfers surrounded by controversy

Following Peter Odemwingie's desperate attempt to join QPR, Matt Stanger takes a look at ten transfers surrounded by controversy, riots, burning effigies and a pig's head... 10. Pascal Chimbonda
Considering the way Chimbonda's career in England petered out at Doncaster, it's strange to think that he was once one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League. The right-back was linked with a host of top-flight clubs during an impressive debut season at Wigan in 2005/06 and he was rewarded with his only cap for France in a World Cup warm-up match in May. However, Chimbonda sullied his reputation when he pulled a transfer request out of his sock on the final day of the campaign following Wigan's 4-2 defeat to Arsenal. "I've no problem with players asking for a transfer," said Wigan boss Paul Jewell. "I'm a big boy and I know it happens - but it was the manner in which it was done that upset me." After being forced to train with the reserves, Chimbonda was eventually granted his wish and joined Spurs for £4.5million.
9. Denis Law
In 11 years at Manchester United, Law scored 237 goals in 404 games, winning two league titles, the European Cup and the European Player of the Year award. He was given a free transfer by manager Tommy Docherty in 1973 and returned to United's rivals Manchester City with whom he had enjoyed two years towards the start of his career. On the final day of the 1973/74 season, United visited Maine Road with relegation looming. Law's back-heeled goal in the 81st minute put City in the lead and, thinking he was about the relegate his former club, the striker refused to celebrate before being substituted with his head bowed in anguish. It turned out that United would have been relegated whatever the result but despite this fact, Law will always be remembered as the player who sent the club down.
8. Paul Ince
Ince incensed West Ham supporters in 1989 when the Daily Express printed a picture of the midfielder wearing a Manchester United kit before his transfer had been made official. Ince claimed that his agent had suggested getting the photograph out of the way before he went on holiday but when he returned "all hell broke loose" after the picture had been leaked to the papers. Fortunately for Ince, he passed his United medical to escape enraged Hammers fans and the England international went on to win two Premier League titles at Old Trafford before buffering another controversial move to Liverpool with two seasons at Internazionale.
7. Eric Cantona
If it were not for Denis Irwin, Cantona may never have moved to United to play such a huge role in the club's early success in the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson was in a meeting with United chairman Martin Edwards when Leeds contacted United to ask about Irwin's availability. United rejected the enquiry, but Ferguson told Edwards to reply by asking about Cantona. Leeds managing director Bill Fotherby said he would need a day to speak to manager Howard Wilkinson, but called back within an hour to confirm negotiations. A fee of just £1.2million was agreed and when Brian Kidd, Ferguson's assistant, was informed of the deal he had to ask if Cantona had "lost a leg or something".
6. John Robertson
Robertson became a hero during his years at Nottingham Forest, providing the assist for Trevor Francis' winning