After the Olympics, everyone is now taking the assumption that footballers are overpaid, underachieving, arrogant idiots. Which, of course, most of them are. However, a number of unpleasant incidents last season, coupled with the professionalism and sporting behaviour on show at London’s showpiece event has brought the behaviour of footballers into the limelight once again.

Although not all the players act like petulant show ponies, others are simply nasty pieces of work. Joey Barton’s ‘naughty CV’ is far longer than his actual achievements in football and he’s just one of a number of players that supporters simply love to hate. However, it’s questionable as to whether some of these victims of abuse are acceptable hate figures or merely misunderstood characters of the English game. Depending on your club loyalties, you’re sure to agree or disagree over a number of these selections, but we’ve picked out the Top 15 misunderstood footballers.

Click on Duncan Ferguson to unveil the list

[divider]

[divider]

[divider]

[ad_pod id='dfp-mpu' align='right']