Memorable moments: one of the most aggressive fouls in history or how Pepe kicked an opponent on the ground

Portuguese Pepe is the type of stopper who never goes far for a sharper tackle. However, in 2009 against Getafe, he completely went over the top and absolutely shredded Javier Casqueras in the whitewash.

Memorable Moments is a special project by Ruiku that recalls the most iconic moments that have happened in football. Today, we look back at the madness of Pepé.

It was 21 April 2009, Real Madrid welcomed Getafe to the Santiago Bernabéu. Roberto Soldado sent the visitors from the outskirts of Madrid into the lead in the 10th minute and Gonzalo Higuaín equalised in the 46th minute.

But Juan Albín sent Getafe back in front in the 84th minute, only for crazy things to start happening. Guti scored from a direct kick in the 86th minute to level the game at 2-2. Two minutes later, Javier Casquero crossed into the box and something happened that shocked spectators around the world.

Stoper Pepe pushed the Spaniard and the referee awarded a penalty. However, the Portuguese defender was absolutely out of his mind and kicked the lying opponent twice.

Pepe logically had to see a red card. But the match took another twist. Casquero, who was fouled himself, came up for the penalty, but Iker Casillas caught his attempt. In the 93rd minute, a weakened Real Madrid attacked and Higuaín scored the winning goal to make it 3-2.

Pepe was subsequently given a 10-match ban, which he said had a big impact on him. He returned to the incident years later and did not remember it well.

“My career is very damaged by the Getafe incident. I have apologised, I have admitted my mistake and I have changed. I have learned a lot since then. I am a much calmer player, I think about the consequences of my actions,” the Portuguese told Mundo Deportivo in 2016.

And he was right. Since that incident, Pepe has calmed down a bit, and although he hasn’t forgiven himself for a few sending offs, especially in the Mourinho era, his aggression and reprimands from referees have dropped a lot.

Source: Mundo Deportivo, La Liga