What did Materazzi say to Zidane?
Speculation is rife about what Italy's hardman Marco Materazzi said to Zinedine Zidane during the last minutes of the World Cup final. Everyone agrees it was insulting enough, as Zidane lost his cool and headbutted Materazzi in the chest.However, Materazzi isn't telling.
Canada's Globe and Mail says the French SOS Racisme organisation has it that Materazzi called Zidane a "dirty terrorist". BBC also quotes SOS Racisme and adds that Materazzi's denying calling Zidane a terrorist. According to Italy's ANSA news agency, Materazzi said:
It is absolutely not true, I did not call him a terrorist. I'm ignorant. I don't even know what the word means."
Yeah, right.
Video found by Kadir - thanks!
New Zealand's state television broadcaster apparently reported yesterday that Materazzi called Zidane's sister a prostitute. I didn't see that and haven't found a video clip of the report or a transcript, so can't verify it.
Update Thanks to Fah Lo Suee, I've now got a link to the report above - it was actually on today's breakfast show on TVNZ, but the link there goes to a transcript on Radio NZ's website.
Although neither player has yet revealed the nature of their disagreement, a Brazilian telvision employed lip-reading experts who say footage of the incident shows the Italian twice calling Zidane's sister a prostitute.
Zidane meanwhile got the FIFA Golden Ball award despite locking horns with Materazzi in the final. I'm a little bit surprised about that actually. Yes, Zizou deserved it based on his performance until the last moments of the final. However, rising to Materazzi's provocation and attacking the Italian player is bad sportsmanship; should it not disqualify Zidane from winning the award?
Germany's Miroslav Klose got the top-striker award, the Golden Ball, but for just five goals - not his fault, but the low tally says a lot about the tournament. I quite agree with Italy's Buffon winning the Best Goalie award, and Germany's Podolski the Best Young Player one, but... I can't understand what got into FIFA's heads when they named Portugal the Most Entertaining Team of the World Cup.
Was that FIFA's way to award the Portuguese for brawling against Netherlands?
FIFA seems to have forgotten to hand out awards for Worst Refereeing and Best Actor though. Who would be your candidates here?
Update Play with Zizou. The inevitable Shockwave game - many thanks to Emanuele for finding it.
Update Bah, the site above has exceeded its data volume allowance and I'm sick of battling Macromedia's Awfulware so taking the Play with Zizou Flash file off for now.
Tag(s):
Other related posts:
Outrageously camp football referee caught on camera
Zidane? Try North Korean women footballers instead...
Bans and fines for Zidane and Materazzi
Comment by Billy Bob Thorton, on 11-JUL-2006 10:23
When viewing this incident livefor the first time, it lookedkl horrible. Zidane haters must have rejoiced. However, watching the .gif looping image above shows that <Materazzi should be making $10,000,000 a movie, not Tom Cruise. When he initially gets stuck, his head does not jerk forward, like it should, when momentum in his torso is reversed so severely. It juts back as quickly as the rest of him does. The injury could be bad, it could have been anything chest related. Apparently, after review, it looks like he just got the wind knocked out of him at the worst. Laying on the g round moaning an extensive amount was genious by the italian. This blurs the line ofmovies and reality more and makes Bend it LikeBackham seem like a worse movie than it is.
Comment by Mario, on 11-JUL-2006 10:28
What is the relevance of the clips of Materazzi's past fouls - regardless how egregious they may have been?
Neither Zidane nor anyone else has accused Materazzi of committing such fouls in the 2006 World Cup final against France, so the only purpose of shwing his past fouls must be to smear Materazzi infairly.
The only relevant foul is Zidane's gratuitous headbutt. The entire interaction between Zidane and Materazzi preceding Zidane's headbutt has been captured on videotape. Materazzi did nothing to justify Zidane's behavior. No words can justify what Zidane did. There is no question but that Zidane deserved to be sent off for that one barbaric act.
Leaving aside irrelevance, fairness requires that if you show the very worst fouls of Materazzi's career, you also show the very worst fouls committed by Zidane in his career.
If Zidane was incited to act so stupidly by mere words - no matter how terrible those words may have been - this proves that Zidane does not have the mental toughness of a true leader. If opponents know they can cause Zidane to do something stupid and get sent off by merely insulting him, they would be foolish not to do so at every opportunity. Words are only words.
Apologists for Zidane cannot change the clear images of what Zidane did. Their attempts to defend Zidane by throwing mud at Materazzi will only make Zidane look more stupid and mentally weak than he looks already.
Comment by Faraz, on 11-JUL-2006 10:29
I would simply say this: For the sport-crazy West, the professionalism of the game is more important than one's Honor and Dignity but not for Zidane. Materazzi would never dream of insulting any player again.
The irony of it is that from a perspective of sports entertainment--and I know this is not right --but this is the most exciting thing I've ever seen in all of sports.
The journalists in Germany seemed to agree with me, as they all voted Zidane the Golden Ball award; More importantly the French President, Jacque Chirac's had this to say to Zidane : "I would like to say all the esteem I have for a
man who has embodied sport's most beautiful values, displayed the greatest human qualities and made France proud,", said Chirac, who was at the match.
Zidane--please come back for another head butt on Materazzi and this time finish him off!!
Faraz
Toronto-Canada
Comment by A.M., on 11-JUL-2006 10:55
After watching the video of Materazzi here. I know that at least five people know what aggression Materazzi has in his heart towards others. Zidane was very aggressive, but we cannot be blind and not see whom he was reacting against. We may still say that he should not concern himself with the behaviour of Materazzi, but then we also forget that he is a great captain, a leader, and that means it is his job to concern himself with others. Add to all this, Materazzi must have provoked Zidane by saying to him something that should not be said.
Comment by Shadow, on 11-JUL-2006 11:19
It's not clear what Materazzi said. Everyone who says that Materazzi deserved it and Italians are this and that are just being racist yourselves. What if Materazzi said something completely different? What if the stadium was so loud that Zidane took it as something negative? OR Zidane became INSANE because he lost the header that would've been a goal by Buffon's hand pushing the ball up. What if Materazzi was doing his job too well in defense, and Zidane felt like he wanted to pulverize him for making him mess up his goal opportunities? It doesn't even matter what Materazzi said anymore, it was Zidane that was the weak one and hit Materazzi while he was off guard and playing his position of defense in a sport. All of you who support Zidane are not normal people, but violent enthusiates who want soccer to become the next American hockey. Take this from someone whose been playing in sports and knows what its like to be under pressure when everything is down the line and riding on your shoulders to bring your team to championship status. Lets be reasonable, Zidane was LEADING his team to the World Cup, without him they would've been eliminated in the Group stages. And whatever the media you guys are listening says, they're SPECULATING what might have been said. They were trying to find a rationale behind what drove Zidane to do this, not to make Materazzi look bad. It could've been a German player, or a Ghanan player that was headbutted by Zidane, they would be saying the EXACT SAME THING as if it was Materazzi. There are other speculations that Zidane just got the urge to hit someone like he usually did in the past, and he was RED CARDED as well in the past. This isn't the only time. As stated before, he STOMPED on a SAUDI ARABIAN soccer player in a World Cup. So, don't tell me that Italians are rascist, he just stomped on a Saudi player FOR NO PROVOKING. Zidane's skills were awesome, but his personality was crap.
Comment by Jerry Seinfeld, on 11-JUL-2006 11:20
Billy and Mario are both right. There is no reason what so ever and no justification for an action like that. This hit could have hurt Materazzi more and was less called for then Tyson biting off Holyfield's ear.... almost. Actually not. Anyways, the hit in replay does seem to be embellished by materazzi. Yet, many people are saying not so. In that case, There had to be a second butter. A butt like that is to magical to send his whole body down in one linear column. As yoiu look, his head goes, back, then to the ground, back then to the ground. His foot goes forward, then up in the air. If there was no second butter, the head would have gone forward, then then back, and his foot would have trajected upwards and he would have been sent down in similar fashion to a close line. Evidence of a seconds butter could be found in due time. There may have been one hiding by the scraggelyt post.
Comment by Jamie, on 11-JUL-2006 11:57
I think it is fair to say that both men are at fault. This behaviour is not suprising. If anyone remembers Zidane stomping the back of a Saudi player and getting red carded in the last World Cup. And Materazzi is known in the Italian leagues to be extremely vicious. Everyone loses there cool, and in such a pressure cooker situation. Admittedly stupid, of course, but no one knows the whole story, so don't judge.
Comment by Faraz, on 11-JUL-2006 11:58
Oh C'mon this Jerry, Billy and Mario are all Italian sypathisers, are they incapable of seeing the "assault riddled" career this lousy Materazzi has, and these people are comparing Zidane with Tyson...for this they are nothing better than the crying and wining italian mobsters...let the whole world know that.
To the extent of a "hollow" "shadow" out there,
are you a "Saudi Sympathist" or a self-proclaimed psychiatirist, clarify that for the lot first and maybe your name. Next, let me address to your knaive premotionitions about Zidane feeling that some not-a-regular in the Italian side made Zidane feel out of sorts, DO YOU EVEN FOLLOW SOCCER !!! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF THE STATURE OF ZINEDINE ZIDANE , HE IS AN ICON IN THE WORLD OF SOCCER, MANNERISM AND CHARISMA, and that lowly league player Materazzi can NEVER, parallel the status of ZIDANE, its like comparing dust to Gold....
A friendly advice for all you "shadows" out there, THINK BEFORE YOU WRITE...we won't mind you making an honest attempt, really!!! give it a try.
Faraz
Toronto-Canada
Comment by Tacovsky, on 11-JUL-2006 12:06
Brazilian lip reading specialist have confirmed that M called ZZ sister a W..... (prostitute)
Comment by PKK, on 11-JUL-2006 12:20
Forget the Zidane head butting insanity and look at the game as a whole. How do you explain more than 6 French players repeatedly using their elbows as offensive weapons when going up for a header? There should have been at least 3 more red cards handed out but the referee was apparently directed not to slow down the pace of the game by FIFA officials.
Zidane disgraced himslef and his team but the behavior of the French team during the medal ceremony spoke volumes about their character, or lack of it. Taking medals off, putting them in their back pockets, refusing to wear them at all and even apparently rejecting them clearly underlines a total failure in integrity, maturity, sportsmanship, leadership and coaching.
Zidane was more blatant in his disregard for others safety but no different than many of his teammates. Football is a game of integrity, intellect, strategy, endurance, athleticism and teamwork. France is sorely lacking these attributes as a team. To have Chirac condone Zidane's head butting is obscene but then again why should anyone be surprised by such behavior?
Comment by Alvaro, on 11-JUL-2006 12:30
Materazzi is no saint, we all know that. So what? Is not the first time Zidane does something like that either...
THIS time, Materazzi only used words against Zidane and, inside the field, what Zizou did was no way to answer to mere words. I mean, insult him back, kick the ball on his face at next opportunity, etc. or you just be more mature and ignore the insults. You DON'T commit a flagrant foul like that! That's just plain stupid!
I mean, suppose someone, say a badass criminal, insults you and you kill him... what will be your excuse? "He was a bad person anyway and he insulted me"? Is that enough reason to kill him?
Be a fair sportman and accept that what Zidane did was wrong, period, no excuses.
About Materazzi's insults... all players do that, all around the world, in all sports (Dennis Rodman comes to my mind, I wonder why...). Is only up to YOU to avoid them get into you... At 34, the great Zizou should have known better...
Nevertheless, I am glad Zidane won the Golden Ball... As we say in my country "you can't cover the sun with just one finger"... That headbutt was just a mistake, a sad end to a career full of glory and a wonderful overall perfomance in the World Cup... Zidane did deserved a better ending, but, sadly, he's the only one to blame for what happened...
Comment by Emanuele, on 11-JUL-2006 12:35
You have to try this!
Play with Zizou:
http://tonaz.altervista.org/zidane.html
Comment by Saleem, on 11-JUL-2006 12:47
Football is a game of integrity, intellect, strategy, endurance, athleticism and teamwork
ah mate ! said some nice adjectives, let us analyze what you are saying ;
According to some PKK, the French had elbows up while contesting headers? let me remind everyone here, that it was Fabio Canavarro- so called best defenseman and italian captain, who had the violent elbow to the head of Thierry Henry in the early stages of the game that knocked Henry nearly unconscious for 5 minutes, then again Zambrotta should have been called for penalty on a foul tackle on the play on Malouda but the stupid argentinian referree decided that he would play a game of calls and no-calls to even his actions. Yet not a single Italian player went down due to an elbow, so how come this another abbreviated personality claim the case.
Next, for this abbreviated personality to contest the comments of French President Chirac is an insult to spirit by addressing a leader of a leading European nation in less than quality words.
Let me remind this PKK, that not only the whole world, the journalist at the worldcup in Germany, but even the Italian coch, Lippi had words of praise for Zidane even after the match, and maybe Mr. PKK is forgetting the right to freedom of expression that led the French players to do what they wanted with their medals.....I mean its their medals, its up to them to wear 'em or shove 'em inside their shorts...what PKK fails to realize is that they were making a statement about the unfair play of the Italians, that mobster gianluigi buffon, put his arms around Henry's neck to threat him with a similar strike like that from Canavarro earlier... this is from the press room and its Henry's own statement.. Don't worry mates, the drama will be over in a week.
AND ZIDANE IS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO SOCCER AFTER PELE...so please save your fruitless propaganda on his career.
Let me make a statement here:
The game was played unfairly, by the italians, and all the people on this blog who think italians are heroes, think again, for simply two reasons:
1-The italian heroes have a pending case of match fixing...that could see as many as 7 current Italian players being banned.
Very much in the spirit of the game...bribery match fixing....where is this PKK ???
2-If the FIFA racism body confirms that Materazzi uttered racial remarks to ZIDANE his international career is over.. Sportsman spirit anyone ???
Saleem
Comment by Shaboo, on 11-JUL-2006 12:50
Materazzi insult of Zidane's sister as 'prostitute' led to final red card
Zidane appeared to react to something that was said and was dismissed for his violent charge into his opponent.
Materazzi was walking stright to Zidane's face, it is clear, watching the video close. If some one big as Materazzi walks towards you and utters insainly, what would you do? I would head butt also, may be wrost than that. Should Zedane had done something bad, whole country would not welcome him like the way they did yesterday. May be FIFA will now sat a standered for the verbel abouse in the field.
The France squad arrived back on Monday and went straight to a lunch reception hosted by President Jacques Chirac. Offering his support, Chirac said: "Dear Zinedine, in such a hard and intense moment for you, I would like to express the whole nation's affection and admiration for you.
Zidane was also in attendance and was cheered by fans who gathered to welcome the team home.
Comment by Frenchsupporter, on 11-JUL-2006 13:29
Zidane has a past of red cards and fouls but i believe that this one was not entirely Zidane's fault. What ever Materazzi said to Zidane would have had to be pretty bad to make Zidane react the way he did. I was very disappointed that Materazzi also did not get a red card for his racial comment to Zidane. Isn't Fifa promoting equality, are they not fightng racisim. Materazzi, i believe, should not be allowed to play again and should recieve and enormous fine and a suspesion to ake him think twice before he ever insults someone about their race. Personally i support what Zidane did, and if it were me i would have done a lot worse than just a head butt.
Comment by Alvaro, on 11-JUL-2006 13:34
"is an insult to spirit by addressing a leader of a leading European nation in less than quality words."
Talking about racism... I think someone has dellussions of grandeur... Chirac, like Zidane and the rest of us is JUST A MAN!
"If some one big as Materazzi walks towards you and utters insainly, what would you do? I would head butt also, may be wrost than that. Should Zedane had done something bad, whole country would not welcome him like the way they did yesterday."
THAT's exactly what's so wrong about what Zidane did: people thinking THAT's how you're supposed to behave! Are you crazy??? Ok, so, next time a big fella comes to me insulting, I'm gonna shoot him in the knee... so that he learns... ARE YOU INSANE??? words, as bad as they can be, will always be WORDS... Just think that if Zidane didn't speak italian, none of this would have happened.
I put my bets that 99% of the people (including Chirac) that warmly received Zidane were FORGIVING him, because he does deserves so. I'm sure they weren't neither accepting what he did nor encouraging such behavior...
Zidane took the provocation and made a mistake, showing that he, like everyone else, is just a human being... accept it, forgive him and get over it... and certainly don't justify it blaming it on Materazzi, because EVERY single player has insulted a rival at least once in his life, including Zidane! I know it's not nice, I don't like it either, but let's face it, there's nothing we can do about it, I mean, who's to hear everything what all the players say inside the field???
Comment by Zidanefan, on 11-JUL-2006 13:59
The headbutting incident shows us that Zidane is a human being - but he is above us because he has a MYTHICAL AURA about him.
He is inspirational, he is a master, he is humble, he is loved by his team, he is mentally strong, AND he honors his family.
He honors his family and his roots so much that he does not think twice about throwing all the glories of his career - in order to honor his family.
Materazzi is nothing but a brute compared to Zidane.
Comment by LadyG, on 11-JUL-2006 15:30
To all of you who call Italians racist...shame on you! You just proved you are yourselves racist even without knowing what Materazzi said or what Zizou said. Don't judge others before knowing the HARD FACTS and don't assume that all of us Italians are racist to Blacks and Algerians.
Insults on the field in any sport is not new but players have to show SPORTSMANSHIP, LEADERSHIP and ignore those taunts because it's all a mind game.If your opponent can cause you to lose your cool and you get kicked out, they will maximize on it. So lose your cool and you are the LOSER.
A lot of you on this blog are applauding what Zizou did and that is a shame.Zizou is a role model to lots of young players and he should have shown restraint because this kind of behaviour should not be approved in football nor in any sport because it sends the wrong message to these young football players everywhere.
Stopping racism starts in your own backyard. FIFA can only send their message of dissaproval but all of us have to start cleaning up our acts on the field and in our homes then maybe we'll see less racism in sport.
Comment by Edward, on 11-JUL-2006 15:40
Does anyone know if Zidane's sister a prostitute? If someone says this about my sister it would not drive me crazy as I know it is not true. Only if it is true and I want to hide it can it drive me crazy.
Comment by John, on 11-JUL-2006 15:40
All of you focusing on Matarazzi instead of the violent and uncalled for violence by Zidane are merely blaming the victim. Your the same people that blame women for bad things happening to them, because maybe she was out late at night, or she was dressed provocatively.
Seriously speaking, the action is what it is, if Matarazzi did say something that was so bad, why would Zidane not say anything, specially given that it would deffinetly garnish him some sympathy.
And for those of you suggesting that Zidane may have acted on some higher morale ground by striking Mataeazzi for something that he "allegedly" said....absolutley rediculous. Is the suggestion than that unkind words should be justifiably met with physical violence. I hope not!
While we all have teams that we would like to see win and loose, lets not be so bloored by such biasis that we condone an action such as this, by a player that many kids look up too.
Comment by HPS, on 11-JUL-2006 16:08
Italiens are known for rigging - and not only in their own country.
FIFA failed to dissallow questionable players to be part of the word cup.
FIFA seamed to got bribed by dismissing M. Klose.
FIFA should investigate the italian coach for having - very likely - having ordered to provoke Zidane.
FIFA should take the cup back from the italian Mafiosi - who were simply not good enough to earn the trophy and used the foulesd tricks on earth - which FIFA's dumb guys, or corrupted guys did handle extremely poorly. FIFA socks! I trly hope that Franz Beckenbauer stays away from this filthy fray.
Comment by Marc, on 11-JUL-2006 16:22
everybody would die to know what was said between Materazzi and Zizou... i would!! but that sort of conduct is inexcusable! doesn't matter who head butted who. it's unacceptable. i wonder if it was all intentional from Zidane's part to step off the stage with a bang. no matter what Materazzi said, Zidane had intent. he chose to react. that is of course if Materazzi even did say anything serious at all...
Comment by Lalrinchhana 'R.Cho' Tochhawng, on 11-JUL-2006 18:47
First of all-Horacio Elizondo should have been sent off for controversial decisions he made in all of his matches, and Luis Medina Cantalejo shouldn't have stepped in as the 4th official-after all he was the person who robbed the Aussies against the Italians. I am amazaed by the very appointment of these two incompetent officials.
I have always and always will be a fan of Zizou, he simply is the best Footballer in recent times. But I found it simply needless and stupid for him to do what he did, but I still think that just shows he's also just human; but I feel that if he had stayed on the field-France might or rather definitely won the World Cup for a second time even at the tie-breaker, what a big disappointment that was.
And I sincerely think the Italians shouldn't have been in the finals in the first place. If anyone is an Italian fan I don't think they should point their fingers at anybody regarding cheating, diving, simulation, racism et al-does anybody know Buffon had, maybe he still has a problem with his team mate at Juventus Lilian Thuram about his colour. And the best 'theatrical wizardry' award goes to Fabio Grosso, he has won it downright, period!
Comment by Aloha, on 11-JUL-2006 18:52
According to the latest news the following words left Materazzi's lips: "I slept with your mother yesterday. Your mother is an Algerian whore"
Knowing Zizou's great love to his mother Materazzi just touched a very sensitive point and look what happened.
Comment by Bob Sacamano, on 11-JUL-2006 20:04
There is evidence of a second butter. jerry is right. check it out
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Comment by Nancy, on 11-JUL-2006 20:26
i think zidane did great.........
Comment by BDG, on 11-JUL-2006 23:49
I read with great astonishment the view points regarding Zidane's action. I have never liked Zidane but I respect him. He is a talented player, one of the best, BUT, he has been the "enemy" in this world cup because I cheer for Italy.
Lets not forget Italy has often been "robbed" by poor officiating and has been eliminated thrice from previous world cups by penalty shots. I say this for the benefit of those who think we "fix" things and who NOW cry about the unfairness of shoot-outs to decide an outcome.
Being Italian, I have to say that some of your comments are offensive; not personally but in a national sense. Some of you, and you know who you are, need to calm down and not let your deep rooted prejudices come to the surface. In reality, you probably don't even mean what you're saying but are caught up in the argument - which is not Materazzi, nor the Italian team. nor Italy, nor Italian domestic soccer. The issue was simply Zidane's head butt. How you see it is everyone's personal pleasure and no one is going to change anyone's mind nor the reality that stems from his action.
It's OK if you dislike Italy, its players', its style of play, but respect them! Afterall, they are YOUR champions too, for the next 4 years. What you cannot change, you must accept. How boring would things be without such an event as the World Cup.
Comment by Paul Raynor, on 12-JUL-2006 02:05
Zizou gets dismissed for headbutting Materazzi. What a farce it makes of the Portugal/Nederlands game with Figo headbutting his opponent. Where was the fourth official for that incident!? He still played the rest of the game and his next match. If they are going to bring in a fourth official, do it in every game and it may cut out some of the amateur dramatics that have blighted this world cup.
Comment by lucien b5, on 12-JUL-2006 03:29
Oh well... All has been said already. Yes the referee was bad ( cough not for the Italians), but was there ANY consistent good calls throughout a single match of this world cup? Imho, no. This World Cup 2006 was plagued with bad calls ( rememeber the French goal early in the competition, not counted because the referee supposedly didn't see it LOL, man...). Of course the bad calls affected every team, not just the French. Also, families were shocked to see how violent the game has become : the skilled stars are just either provoked or simply "held" indefinitely until the ball has passed them for sure : not very family-like, not very fair-play. But the ONE thing, thet is almost impossible to grasp for the non-French is that, the only ciment France has to hold at the same time the biggest Jew and Arab community of Europe, is judicial endictment of any racial slurs, no IFs or BUTs. It's taboo in France to allude to one's origin to put down someone ( or even to flatter him for that matter). Remember the yahoo nazi item selling deal ? Supposedely we are ONE and governed solely by the Republic. Anything or anybody trying to make a small dent to this, is punishable by French Law usually ASAP. So that's why it IS important for us, maybe others ( I'd like to think so), but surely FIFA ( "stop racism in football" blabla), to know EXACTLY what Materazzi said, in order to take court action, thus preserving French unity, or not. I hope I won't get dumb remarks about how stupid our psy system is because well... It's the only one we have and also it more or less has been proven up to now. My 2 cents.
Comment by zidane was wrong, on 12-JUL-2006 05:55
zidane had a mental meltdown, period. materazzi is known as a dirty player in the italian league--this is true, and no one here who knows anything about it will dispute that. however, materazzi is not stupid. it doesn't matter how great a footballer zidane is, he has a weak spot. his weak spot is his psychological state. he is known to blow a gasket from time to time. the stomping on the saudi player for no real reason is one famous example of this contained violence that exists in zidane. materazzi, fully aware of this, decides to try his best to rile him up. obviously, he talks major trash and succeeds in getting into zidane's mind. the 6'5'' giant goes down in a dramatic fashion, not because he is really all that hurt, but because he wants to play this opportunity for all it is worth. he wants to ensure that zidane's action is "big", so that he will succeed in his objective of having zidane sent off. notice how he is "hurt" until his plan--having that red card drawn--is brought to fruition? the people thinking materazzi will "think again" before insulting another player are really ridiculous if they actually believe this. zidane did not "school" materazzi in anything, except that his tactics were successful. materazzi was laughing all the way, you better believe it, because that is the type of player he is. so, zidane losing his cool is an example of one punk freaking out on another. and yes, i have no problem calling zidane a punk, because although he is one of the most skilled players of all time, he let himself be drawn in and down to the same level by a clever punk who will never be as talented, but will always be victorious in this particular match-up and situation--where it counted.
oh, and faraz, check your spelling before you get all condescending and telling us to "think before we write". it is "naive", not "knaive".
Comment by Shadow, on 12-JUL-2006 12:28
For all you French supporters, you really have something in common with France and their people. French are known by everyone in the world to be very rude people. I'll tell you now, my nationality is Alexandrian and I'm Muslim. I find it hard for someone to call me a Muslim terrorist and I wouldn't want to break their face, but I realize that it's not humane nor is it right. I would be wrong on all levels. Faraz, you should think twice before speaking, you disgrace yourself btw. Anyway, I felt that Italy deserved to win, and the French president himself is evident of the rudeness and disgrace of his people. Zidane has had another incident when he was playing in the Euro Cup for HEAD BUTTING another player. And for another thing, all of you French supporters, you should NOT talk about Italians that way. I have many friends here in NY that are Italian, and they are NOTHING like what you people are describing. They are WAY better than all of you combined, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. I've been called racial slurs from time to time after what happened on 9/11 in a supermarket or in public, so I would know what it's like for the Italians and Italian supporters reading what you French are writing to feel. Zidane WAS WRONG, He was STUPID, and he was a GREAT SOCCER PLAYER. He's had his share of violent acts in the past, and I also believe he wanted to leave that game in his fashion, a Headbutter. He was also upset that his shoulder was injured, he missed a header goal when Buffon blocked it, and Italy would've had a second goal had it not been for the "ever careful eye" of the assistant referees for calling an "offside". BTW, it was Marco Lippi who detested giving a Red Card to Zidane because HE was the one that said it was invalid because he saw the referees using the video footage. The French coach Domeniche didn't even know that, and he should have congratulated and thanked Lippi for trying to keep Zidane on the field, because if it's video footage in soccer, it's an unfair and invalid call. Learn before you speak, ignorant French Supporters. BTW, the French were taking dives, including Zidane on several occasions, and it was the REFEREE to blame for Zidane's headbutting, not Materazzi. Also, Zidane Exchanged words to Materazzi as well, who knows what HE said, let alone Materazzi. BTW, Materazzi was walking towards to Zidane to play DEFENSE on him, its called "picking your man" to defend. Thats his job, to stick defense on Zidane, why would he stay feet away from Zidane to allow him through the defense line, when he was doing his job very well. Bizmillah let Zidane and Materazzi alone.
Comment by faroun, on 12-JUL-2006 12:30
i have not seen better poetry then this. "if he was a book, a blank page at the end it should be"
i think i am one of the newbie that fell in love with Zidane's soccer and i was shocked to see the anger that he projected, i dont cry much, but a tear i did see in my eye.
i love soccer, italians, french or any dirt road soccer will bring me joy to sit there and watch,
i hope That "Materazzi" did not say anything Racist, i can forgive him for that and i have, like many like me, but the World Cup then, is a Big Joke, Like the World arround us and i thought i was with a part of a world that doesn't see Rascism and soccer is wonderful for that, so i wish it did not come to that. then My god "We Are So Stupid to not Educate Ourselves especially in this Sport"
My last Wish is for Zidane To Come out and not tell us the reason why he butted Materazzi but tell us that Violence is The Wrong Way to Go NO MATTER WHAT.
thanks
Comment by no italy, on 12-JUL-2006 14:20
hahaha italy are the flukiest team ever, seriously, it was so random seeing them winning. I mean, you'd think a good team'd win, but nope, we got italy, who's team motto must be to win at any cost and disgracing the beauty of football itself. The sad thing is though, is when kids have been influenced by said mindset, looking for fouls, looking for the most low way to win just so they can win, arguing with no proper means or motive and playing with no heart, no joy, no skill.
Comment by shadow_writer, on 12-JUL-2006 14:58
Shadow -
"It doesn't even matter what Materazzi said anymore?"
True.
"As stated before, he STOMPED on a SAUDI ARABIAN soccer player in a World Cup..."
True again. I think all this blogging about the headbutt fails to point out the simple truth. Zidane doesn't care for weak actors who take dives and moan to referees, but he tolerates it to a point. Last time I checked Zidane is human and humans have animal instincts. Given the amount of pressure during the game and Materazzi's reputation for being a violent and arrogant prick, add an insult (pick one) you have a recipe for headbutt. Materazzi got dropped in front of a billion people, loudly moaned like a whore to enhance the foul and was successful in getting Zidane kicked out. Nothing against the Italy team as a whole but was Materazzi rubbing Zidane's nipple? Nipple? WTF? When did homosexuals start playing for Italy. I can understand the Zidane reaction completely...he fights for honor rather than a symbol of achievement which his team already won once before. I do however agree with him being kicked from the game, its only right. That headbutt will be the biggest highlight of the 2006 World Cup when they look back in 2010.
Even with the dirty tricks committed upon the French, and the selectively blind referees, the French were playing better but the credit goes to Italy.
Congrats to Italy for PK win and WC championship.
Comment by sunil, on 13-JUL-2006 01:53
Everyone is just saying that Zidane deserve red card but what about Materazzi? Shouldn't he punish for using bad language. I feel Zidane is very quiet person and didn't initiate the fight. We are only talking about what Meterazzi had said before head-butt, but it could also possible that he or his team had been doing this to Zidane in whole match. You can bear insult if it's done for once or twice but if you continue to bear it for uncertain time then you are nothing but a coward person and don't have any self respect. Materazzi said that he insulted Zidane's wife and he has face this things lot of time in his career. I want to say that Materazzi could bear this insult because he also use this language, may be always the initiator to this kind of conversation. I'm not saying that Zidane is saint or something but I feel he is much better person and player than Materazzi.
Zidane did right thing by head-butting Materazzi but he also deserves red card. It is right decision even if it's given by forth official, it doesn't matter if it is given after watching video replay or not.
But I wish Materazzi should be punished hard so it will not happen again. If this doesn't happen (Because Materazzi said this is very normal football language) then coach should train players by insulting them from their young age so they can practice bearing insult of their Family or culture.
Hope FIFA will make strong and right decision.
sunil...
Comment by Soccerfan, on 13-JUL-2006 19:53
Many things have been said regarding this Zidane-Materazzi-insults-headbutting-red card thing. I wont go in repeating what have been said, some fair and some offensive to both parties. Zidane was punished by being red-carded. That was right since what he did was not football. But nobody knows exactly what Materazzi said to him. materazzi denies all allegation thrown to him by saying: " I didn't say that... I didn't call him this and this... but does not say clearly what he did say,why? FIFA is investigating Zidane's red card but I dont want to see them leaving Materazzi untouched because even words are punishable, provided they are insulting or provoking. How many times have we seen players being sent off by saying 'bad words' to the referees? or does the FIFA rules allow the referees to defend themselves against harsh, unbecoming language, only to protect the players against head-butts but considering harsh insults and racial provocations oly as 'the normal language of football'? The referees in this world cup have failed, and yet have been continuously used match after match, may be we don't have any referees left that is why we are using these 'referees'. I am waiting to see how FIFA gets into this issue.
Comment by victor andolini, on 14-JUL-2006 02:42
It doesn't matter. Get over it. Were Zidane's actions enough to condemn him? Yes. Did he deserve that red card? Yes. Did Materazzi truly use racist language? WE DON'T KNOW! In the Canal + interview today, Zidane himself has stated that Materazzi did not use racial slurs, but did, however, insult his mother and sister. That is not the same as racism. Yes, it does show very poorly of his character, but racism is far to serious an allegation to be confused with insulting family.
And I say this once again. Get over it. It doesn't make a difference. Italy won the world cup absolutely fair and square and in all probability would have done so even if Zidane had stayed on for the rest of the match. Anyone who saw that match could clearly see that Italy were the stronger team. We won rightfully and that is that.
Comment by Brandon (USA), on 14-JUL-2006 03:42
I haven't read all the posts here so I don't know if it was already mentioned, but watch the video and realize that Zidane was talking sh*t too, there is nothing you can do about that. Don't get me wrong, I love watching Zidane play and I hate Materazzi's dirty play usually, but this time, the one who crossed the line was Zidane. We will likely never know exactly what was said out there and I guarantee worse things have been said on a playing field. No, none of this makes it right, but are we gonna start punishing everyone who insults someone else? That's an absurd thing to hope for and would become no less annoying than when I told the teacher someone called me a poopy head in 1st grade.
Comment by Sara Amrhein, on 15-JUL-2006 10:26
Okay a few things to think about here folks!! If anyone thinks that Materazzi and Zidane were the only players throughout the cup who were spitting out insults and rough housing eachother, you are livng in a fantasy land! It happens every game. It just happens to be highlighed here because Zidane lost his cool! Another thing is that we are dealing with are different cultures what might be considered a unforgivable insult in one country is brushed off like an F-you in another. When any language is translated to another something is always lost or made to sound worse than it was. For example, I am Italian and to call an Italian man a Bastard is the single worse insult one could use, but as we know in the US calling a man a Bastard is not taken too serisouly. I'm not saying Zidane called Materazzi a bastard its just an example. It's unfortunate that Zidane had to end his career this way. Both men are wrong, but insults and rough play are part of the game. Zidane lost his cool. remember the old proverb, Sticks and Stones..........
ciao,
aguri azzuri!!!
Comment by Julia, on 15-JUL-2006 22:49
Hello everyone!!! Did anyone hear what Buffon said about Materazzi? I have an information that Buffon assured everyone that he would not play football in one team with Materazzi. I wonder whether it is true or not.
Comment by BillyBobThorton, on 16-JUL-2006 13:08
So, what is this, buffon said he wont play with materazzi anymore, am i understandg this correctly
Comment by S M, on 16-JUL-2006 16:50
TO the writer who felt so inclined to comment on PORTUGAL when talking about the France/Italy game, I just want to say before you talk about the Portuguese team playing dirty you should watch the highlights from the game vs. the Netherlands. Allow yourself to see how it started, a high kick that sends one of the star players off. It was the Netherlands that was playing dirty all game, and what do you expect the other team to just take that the entire game, you're out of your mind if you think that any team would do that. Don't be blind to the fact that yes this is a game, but the bottom line is if one team is going to play dirty to the extent that the Dutch were the Portuguese are going to retaliate like any team would. As far as I'm concerned its players that have no Integrity that get under the skin of great players on purpose to make them loose their cool, not only should this be embarrassing to the organization they play for but for themselves as men. That you have to stoop so low to saying things that you know the other player will not be able to handle, in an attempt to win a game. It is one thing to win a world cup it is another thing to do it with CLASS!!!!! AND I totally agree, Zidan needs to come back and FINISH Materazzi off next time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is one thing to trash talk, its all part of the game but there is just a line you don't cross. With all that's going on in the world in respect to terrorism and racism, its people like Materazzi that make it worse.
Peace,
S M - Toronto
Comment by Julia, on 16-JUL-2006 20:36
Dear Juha,
I heard it on our Russian television few days ago. Moreover, words by Buffon are cited many times in all Russian and Ukrainian websites, but they do not give their source.
Comment by muslim zaman, on 18-JUL-2006 22:17
Italians are well known to be racist towards black/African football players...let's not pretend. Materrazzi used a racial slur. He should be man enough to admit it. I wonder what he will say when he goes to S. Africa in 2010.
FIFA has been ignoring this racial nonesense going on in football...Materrazzi should have been kicked off...what happen with the FIFA slogan..."Fight racism"?.
But I wish Materazzi should be punished hard so it will not happen again. If this doesn't happen (Because Materazzi said this is very normal football language) then coach should train players by insulting them from their young age so they can practice bearing insult of their Family or culture.
Hope FIFA will make strong and right decision.
Comment by noor, on 19-JUL-2006 18:13
i think that Materazzi deserved that headbutt from zedan .Zedan headbuttd Materazzi for calling him a terrist i bet Materazzi would of done something worse if he were zedan
Comment by gmc, on 25-JUL-2006 14:31
I agree with bdg. I also take offense to many of the comments made here. It seems many of you are more racist than You say Materazzi is. I think it's just a case of "bad losers" Grow up and stop your girlish whining you france fans. You were simply beaten by a better team.
Comment by Aaron, on 26-JUL-2006 06:53
i was actually in france watching the game (in french) when it happened (on a foreign exchange trip), and here is what i gathered...
Materazzi: *blocks goal and then grabs zidane's shirt*
Zidane: *after materazzi lets go* "if you want the shirt so bad, ill give it to you after the match."
Materazzi: "what id really like is your sister's shirt, and your mom's too!"
Zidane: *pwnage in headbutt form*
Comment by Nts'iuoa Sekete, on 1-JAN-2007 03:13
Well, This Materazzi thing is getting on our nerves now. People should and must understand that ;Being a star does not mean somebody does not have a heart. That was just so clear, Materazzi's role during that match was just to provoke Zidane. ZiZou managed to play the whole 90 minutes, he only reacted a few minutes before the end of the extra time. Who, on this earth has ever been so nice to wait until recieving the third insult?
Here is a piece of advice for Materazzi and all those who plan to insult Stars in 2010. We dont need insults and racist comments in Africa. We are so peaceful and we want every soccer fan to comfortable and enjoy up to the last moment of the competition.
We will always love and respect ZiZou.
Comment by darkside, on 22-SEP-2008 00:05
i just wanna know the truth what did he say :S so he headshot him in the chest ....
im sure its sumthing bad for zidane 4 being uncool n not having sport spirit ....
theyll never gunna know it everyone is going to tel a different lie :S i dont believe neither of the things he said....
Comment by Lee, on 8-OCT-2008 08:43
Its supposed to say in materazzis biography that when zidane says "you can have me jersey after the match" ... materazzi says "id prefer your whore of a sister!" ha!! Finally the truth...
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Comment by Kristabelle, on 11-JUL-2006 10:12
Italians are well known to be racist towards black/African football players...let's not pretend. Materrazzi used a racial slur. He should be man enough to admit it. I wonder what he will say when he goes to S. Africa in 2010.
FIFA has been ignoring this racial nonesense going on in football...Materrazzi should have been kicked off...what happen with the FIFA slogan..."Fight racism"?