IT may symbolise one of the nation’s worst football heartaches, but Paul Gascoigne’s tears have topped a poll for the most iconic sporting moments.

Captured during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to West Germany in 1990, Gascoigne sheds tears after receiving the yellow card that would see him miss the final of the competition.

And now it heads a Top 10 list of images that best reveal the pain and emotion fans and players alike endure for the beautiful game.

In a list whittled down from over a million archive images, it beats the likes of Maradona’s “Hand of God” in the 1986 World Cup, and even the photograph of David Seaman comforting Gareth Southgate after his penalty miss in Euro 96.

Voted in at number seven in the poll organised by an online magazine is the snap of a blood-soaked Terry Butcher after England’s 1989 World Cup Qualifying 0-0 draw with Sweden. But according to North East football fanatic Steve Wraith, these pale in comparison with footballing moments sees by Newcastle United and Sunderland fans.

Steve, editor of fanzine Players’ Inc, said: “It has to be the picture of Vinnie Jones grabbing Gazza’s nether-regions. But as a Newcastle fan, Kevin Keegan draped in scarves before he left the club in 1984.

“For Sunderland it must be their FA Cup win in the early 70s with Bob Stokoe as manager. ”

Sunderland’s FA Cup final victory saw Bob Stokoe race on to the pitch at the final whistle and embraced goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery.

Now 64, Jimmy yesterday told The Journal: “When the full time whistle went I turned round to the crowd with my arms in the air.

“The next thing I knew Bob came flying towards me. It was euphoric really. We had just ended a game where we had worked tremendously hard and stopped one of the best teams in the country.

“It took us a bit of time to realise what we had done. It was not until we got into the press room that it hit us.

“I would think that was the best moment of my career.”