The Chelsea vs Manchester United rivalry was in full swing back in the mid to late noughties. The two clubs dominated domestic proceedings between 2004/2005 and 2011/2012 enjoying a clean sweep of Premier League titles between them until the financial might of Manchester City broke their duct. Games were often feisty affairs, with ferocious tackles flying around as both teams left everything on the field in their pursuit of glory. And in the 2009/2010 season that was all amplified. The two clubs would meet early in the early stages of the campaign that would eventually see Chelsea go on to be crowned champions by a mere point, and there was already a feeling in the air that the fixture could be decisive. That proved to be the case, as Chelsea won 1-0 and can look back on it as the most important points they picked up that season. But the match will always be remembered for an entirely different reason...

Video: Drogba booked for Evans flying kick

As Chelsea's star striker Didier Drogba and Manchester United's centre-back Jonny Evans rose to contest a header, the defender raised his leg as he jumped and effectively karate kicked the Ivorian striker straight in the chest.

It was a reckless challenge that left Drogba writhing in agony on the floor, and unsurprisingly so, as it was later proven that he had suffered a fracture rib because of the collision.

Yet, instead of taking action against the aggressor, the referee seemed to be under the illusion that Drogba was trying to pull the wool over his eyes and booked him for simulation.

It truly was an unbelievable refereeing decision.

Drogba did have a reputation at the time for going down easily, as mentioned by the commentator, and that clearly played against him in this case.

Not that the away fans cared, though, as the chants could be heard echoing around the stadium: "Same old Drogba, always cheating"

Nor Nemanja Vidic, who could be seen on the sidelines gleefully watching on like a kid on Christmas.

As a result of the injury, Drogba would miss the next game, but made it back in time to lead the line away at the Emirates and bagged a brace in typical Drogba fashion when playing the Gunners.

He would then go onto achieve what was statistically his best season in a Chelsea shirt, racking up 37 goals and 16 assists in just 44 appearances.

Fan reaction

LIVERPOOL REACH THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL (The Football Terrace):