3 Worst acts of sportsmanship

Barcelona's Luis Suarez, right, reacts after missing a shot during a Spanish La Liga soccer match. Photo / AP

The Dutch seem like decent enough people, just this week opting against voting in force for far-right mad man Geert Wilders in their national elections.

But, unfortunately, the Netherlands' reputation was already sullied by events of last weekend. With second-placed Ajax holding a comfortable lead over lowly Sparta Rotterdam, Ajax striker Bertrand Traore fell to the pitch injured as Joel Veltman received the ball.

Veltman motioned towards his fallen teammate, as if suggesting play be stopped, and caused the Rotterdam defence to turn its back. Which was when Veltman took off down the touchline.

Perhaps there was a misunderstanding?

"I was just being clever," he said. "Bertrand went down and I thought to myself, 'I am going to use this to my advantage'."

Hmm. That doesn't sound like a misunderstanding. That sounds like someone was being a terrible sport. Veltman, though, has company...

1 Luis Suarez

Technically, biting dudes and racially abusing opponents is less bad sportsmanship and more psychotic behaviour. But there is one more string to Suarez's bow that qualifies him for this category. Ghana thought they had won their 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay but Suarez deliberately palmed a late goal-bound effort off the line. The striker was sent off but Ghana missed the subsequent penalty and eventually lost in a shootout. Crime does pay.

2 Alex Rodriguez

Like Suarez, Rodriguez also proved his questionable sportsmanship while using the palm of his hand. The New York Yankees were trying - and failing - to avoid throwing away a 3-0 lead in the 2004 ALCS against their arch-rival Red Sox when Rodriguez stooped to a shady low, slapping the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove as the Boston pitcher attempted to apply a tag. Rodriguez was initially ruled safe before the umpires conferred and justice prevailed.

3 Greg and Trevor Chappell

"Disgraceful," said former Australia captain Richie Benaud. "One of the worst things I have ever seen done on a cricket field." 'Nuff said.