Richard Dunne, the former Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, and QPR defender, holds an unwanted Premier League record: the most own goals scored in the competition's history. With 10 own goals, the 80-time Ireland international has stood alone at the top of this dubious list since October 2014.
A Record That Has Stood for Nearly a Decade
Dunne's final own goal came in 2014, and he currently sits three clear of Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Phil Jagielka, and Lewis Dunk, who are tied on seven. The former centre-back also shares another unenviable record: eight Premier League red cards, level with Duncan Ferguson and Patrick Vieira.
Dunne's Indifference to the Record
Despite being a popular answer to pub quiz questions, Dunne remains unbothered by his own goal tally. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via Ignition Australia, he suggested the record could stand for a long time due to changing styles of play.
“I think there are very few sort of last-ditch defenders. I think it doesn't seem to be the same sort of thing. There isn't the same amount of crosses coming into the box; it's a different style of football and all, so it's probably something that will stand for a while (own goal record).”
A Critique of Modern Football Statistics
Dunne also expressed his frustration with the game's growing obsession with numbers, saying: “I'm just a bit indifferent about it. I watch games now where I see Ronaldo score a penalty and get man of the match and you're like, well, nothing matters, it's all stats, it's all just show and stuff like that so it doesn't really impact me.”
