The most shocking scandals in UK sport - Whatever happened to old-fashioned sportsmanship? Scandals have been a part of British sport since at least the 1960s. From fake blood to spying at Formula One, there are plenty of controversies and conspiracies to dig into. With the World Cup and Wimbledon starting the summer of sport, take a look at the most serious sporting scandals.

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The World Cup is stolen -

Four months before England hosted the World Cup in 1966, the famous gold Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen. The thieves evaded 24-hour security and stole the trophy from Westminster Central Hall. A £15,000 random was demanded, but the story had an unexpected outcome.

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The World Cup is stolen -

The trophy was found wrapped in newspaper by Pickles, a pet dog out for a walk. It was restored to glory in time for the tournament.

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Terry vs. Ferdinand -

In October 2011, Chelsea faced off with Queens Park Rangers. It was alleged that during the match, Chelsea (and England) captain John Terry made racist comments to QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

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Terry vs. Ferdinand - A criminal case ensued, and John Terry was found not guilty. Terry gave up his role as England captain, and Fabio Capello left the team as manager.

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Bloodgate -

English rugby union team Harlequins faced off with Ireland’s Leinster. Harlequins player Tom Williams apparently used fake blood to allow for a tactical substitution.

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Bloodgate - Williams was handed a four month ban  and director Dean Richards was banned for two years.

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Bradley Wiggins: cheater? -

To many, Bradley Wiggins is a national treasure. So fans were disappointed when allegations of doping hit the champion cyclist. Details are murky, but it’s alleged that Wiggins used drugs at the 2011 Criterium du Dauphiné.

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Paralympic "climate of fear" -

Last year, chilling reports surfaced regarding the UK’s paralympic swimming team. British Swimming admitted that there was a “climate of fear” while training for Rio 2016, as reported by The Guardian.  

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Cricket controversy -

The cricket controversy to rule them all. England and Pakistan faced off at the Oval in 2006. It was ruled that Pakistan were ball tampering, and England were made winners by forfeiture.

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The case of Linford Christie -

British sprinter Linford Christie was a national hero after winning gold at the 1992 Olympics.

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The case of Linford Christie - In 1999, he was tested and found guilty of using drugs. He was banned for two years and his legacy was tainted forever.

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Frank Lampard’s failed goal -

In 2010, age-old rivals England and Germany battled it out at the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals. At one point, Frank Lampard shot at the goal. The ball hit the crossbar and rebounded past the goal line. But the goal wasn't counted, and Germany went on to win 4-1.

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Frank Lampard’s failed goal -

The event provided a huge argument in favour of goal-line technology like the VAR we see in this year’s World Cup.

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Wimbledon moves to Milton Keynes -

Imagine if your sports stadium moved 56 miles away. Well, that’s what happened to Wimbledon FC, when they moved from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes in 2003. The move was hugely controversial, and it even led to the formation of new club, AFC Wimbledon.

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Gray and Keys -

Football has come a long way from its masculine past. But commentators Andy Gray and Richard Keys got in trouble for sexist comments as recently as 2011.

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Gray and Keys - They questioned whether assistant referee Sian Massey knew the offside rule. After more inappropriate comments surfaced, the pair were sacked from Sky Sports.   

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Terry vs. Bridge -

John Terry earns his second spot here thanks to his feud with Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge (right).

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Terry vs. Bridge -

In 2010, it was revealed that Terry had an affair with Wayne Bridge’s then-girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel. When the two players met at Chelsea’s grounds, Wayne refused to shake hands with Terry.

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Spying in Formula One -

Formula One had a spy scandal back in 2007. British team McLaren was fined over £50 million after their head designer was found with documents on Ferrari’s cars.

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Jamie Vardy haunted by his past -

In 2016, football dreams came true. Leicester City qualified for the Premier League, and went from the bottom of the table to winning the title for first time ever.

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Jamie Vardy haunted by his past -

Star striker Jamie Vardy played a huge role in the win, but his past came back to haunt him. Video footage surfaced of Vardy making racist comments at a casino in 2015. He was fined and received a stern warning from the Football Association.

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Ched Evans found not guilty -

Ched Evans was accused of rape in 2012. He was sentenced to five years in prison and served two and a half. He was found not guilty in a retrial and almost returned to Sheffield United.

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Rio Ferdinand skips drug test -

Rio Ferdinand wasn’t found guilty of using drugs but he was punished for skipping the test entirely. He was banned for eight months and fined a whopping £50,000. To this day, it remains a mystery why he missed that drugs test.

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Allardyce gets busted -

Sam Allardyce became England manager in 2016. He had the job for 67 days, and was only in charge for one match.

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Allardyce gets busted -

He was caught boasting about cheating the Football Association with transfers, and was busted by journalists on a sting operation. He was sacked, and World Cup wonder Gareth Southgate was brought in as his replacement.

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Jimmy Gauld leaks it all -

Here’s a more vintage scandal for you football fans. Renowned player Jimmy Gauld retired from football and got into match-fixing. He sold the story to the Sunday People, also incriminating football stars Peter Swan, Tony Kay, and David Layne.

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The battle of Bramall Lane -

Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion had a match like no other at Bramall Lane. There was a series of injuries and fights, with Sheffield United being left with just six players on the pitch.

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The case of Dwain Chambers -

In 2003, sprinter Dwain Chambers was found him guilty of using drugs. He was banned for two years, fined, and stripped of his medals.

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2016 sex abuse claims -

Back in 2016, more than 20 retired footballers came out with allegations of abuse in football. One of the accused was Barry Bennell, who was alleged to have groped several players when they were young.

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Adam Johnson found guilty -

In 2015, Sunderland player Adam Johnson made headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was found guilty of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced to six years in prison. The controversy was emboldened when he continued to play for Sunderland despite being on bail for the crimes.

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