Vinnie Jones’ 5 Second Yellow

[Gary James]

It’s 32 years today since Vinnie Jones got a yellow card after only 5 seconds while playing against City. He later got sent off. It was one of the oddest starts to the game I‘d experienced at the time. We knew about Jones’ reputation but this seemed way over the top. Reid was his victim.

I think, in the end, it helped us get a convincing win that day. I’ve never interviewed Jones but I’d love to know what he was thinking.

If you need reminding there’s a match report and film of it here:

Vinnie Jones 5 Second Yellow!

On this day (19 January) in 1991 Mark Ward scored twice as Howard Kendall’s Manchester City defeated Sheffield United 2-0 before 25,741 at Maine Road. However, the game opened with the visitors&#82…

gjfootballarchive.com

 

[Whether or not]

I remember saying to my mate on the Kippax that he must surely have done that for a bet. Spot fixing was unheard of in those days, if it happened now, there would be a serious stewards enquiry. Of course he might just have been a talentless thug.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

Was at the game,I'm sure a few years ago I read something about there being a verbal disagreement between them a short while before the game (a few months) but can't find anything online now about it.

 

[FantasyIreland]

I think in the end he almost became a caricature of himself,he felt he had to live up to the reputation he had gained and went above and beyond to maintain and play up to it.

In fairness,he was probably a better footballer than many credited him for.....but no one will ever remember him for that part of his game.

Definitely left his mark......and one of the games great characters.

 

[Johnny Mars Bar]

He’s a fucking bell end. Always has been and always will be.

Big anti immigration brexit type despite living in America for years, lol.

 

[kippaxwarrior]

 

[i kne albert davy]

Was at that game too wasn't they a bit of needle between them as both fancied themselves as hardmen of football,so numb nuts decided was going to show everyone he was the hardest. The genius booked in 5 seconds off before then end, shit footballer worse actor.

 

[jamesha]

I once was on an IT course with his ex-girlfriend from before he became notorious. She was quite fit but a bit of a geek - used to go to Star Trek conventions dressed up in Star Fleet uniforms. We were staying in the same hotel so chatted about him quite a bit. He was immensely determined to make it even whilst playing non-league and this was obvious in his play.
He certainly made the most of what talent/physique he had.

 

[Mad Eyed Screamer]

Think he was sent off around 15 mins into the game

 

[kun]

shit footballer worse actor.

could not sum it up better than this