Scottish football managers who've hit out

JIM McLEAN

A seminal figure in the history of Dundee United, he was forced to resign as chairman following an ugly confrontation with BBC reporter John Barnes in 2000. Irked by a persistent line of questioning, McLean first swore at the journalist, before striking him. He later issued an unreserved apology for the incident.

JOHN LAMBIE

With his fondness for cigars and pigeon racing, the former Partick Thistle manager became a cult figure in Scottish football.

His post-match interviews became the stuff of legend among the press pack, with one diatribe about a referee featuring 56 swear words. A BBC documentary was forced to bleep him out no less than 168 times.

CRAIG LEVEIN

Scotland's manager appears a mild-mannered, contemplative figure in the dugout, but during his playing days his temperament could boil over.

While playing for Hearts, he punched his team-mate Graeme Hogg for allowing Raith Rovers' Gordon Dalziel a scoring chance. Hogg's nose was broken in the incident, and Levein was banned for 12 games.

ALEX FERGUSON

While there is no record of the Manchester United manager resorting to fisticuffs he is no stranger to confrontation. The Govan-born boss is notorious for venting his wrath at errant players and journalists.