Thomas Gravesen swung for Robinho 16 years ago today in furious training ground bust-up

Former Everton hardman Thomas Gravesen sealed the end of his time at Real Madrid in August 2006 after throwing punches in a heated training ground brawl with Robinho

10:34, 02 Aug 2022

It is 16 years since Thomas Gravesen and Robinho's training ground bust-up(Image: Twitter@sid_lambert)

Today marks 16 years since Thomas Gravesen infamously swung for Robinho in a furious bust-up during Real Madrid training.

The pair had to be separated by team-mates as tempers flared on the training ground, with the Brazilian winger having taken an exception to a heavy challenge from his team-mate. Gravesen was pictured throwing punches at Robinho at the time, with the incident understood to have contributed to his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu just weeks later.

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Known for his hardman antics, Gravesen had become a cult hero at Everton during his five years with the club, prior to a shock move to Spain in January 2005.

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Initially signed by Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Gravesen was part of the squad inherited by Fabio Capello when he took over earlier in the summer of 2006.

At first, Capello admitted he stayed out of the Danish midfielder's way, explaining: "He's just a little bit peculiar. I don't mess with him.”

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However, the Robinho incident broke the former England manager's trust and he was later quoted stating: "His behaviour is like this, and I don't like it, everything has to be done like he wants it to be done.”

Who is football's craziest hardman ever? Let us know in the comments section below.

Real Madrid players had to hold back Thomas Gravesen during the brawl

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Just weeks after images of the bust-up began circulating, Gravesen had been sold to Celtic. Overall, he made 49 appearances and scored one goal during his 18 months in the Spanish capital.

He retired in 2008 after a season-long loan spell back at Goodison Park. After hanging up his boots, Gravesen's career took a bizarre twist as he moved to Las Vegas to become a professional poker player.

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