Duncan Ferguson lifts lid on hard-man reputation after hospitalising man for three days

Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson addressed his tough reputation, explaining to The Telegraph that his on-field aggression does not reflect his everyday personality. Ferguson acknowledged his fiery playing style, which earned him a joint-record eight Premier League red cards, but maintained he is not hot-headed off the pitch unless someone breaks into his home.

The comments recall two separate home break-ins Ferguson experienced in 2001 and 2003, both of which resulted in hospital visits for the intruders. In 2001, burglar Barry Dawson was hospitalized after being caught by Ferguson, and in 2003, Carl Bishop suffered a broken jaw after attempting to steal alcohol from Ferguson's Formby property.