Zidane apparently called "Dirty Terrorist"

[MHandMB 0]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/060710/15/zq3t.html

PARIS, July 10 (Reuters) - France captain Zinedine Zidane was apparently called a "dirty terrorist" by Marco Materazzi before he head-butted the Italy defender in Sunday's World Cup final, the anti-racism group SOS Racism said on Monday.

"According to several very well informed sources from the world of football, it would seem that the Italian player Marco Materazzi called Zinedine Zidane a 'dirty terrorist'," SOS Racism said in a statement.

Zidane, the son of Algerian immigrants, was shown a red card after the incident and Italy went on to win on penalties after the match was tied 1-1 following extra time.

The Paris-based group called for an inquiry and said world soccer's governing body FIFA had recently toughened sanctions against racism.

"It's for this reason that SOS Racism asks in a determined fashion for FIFA to shed light on this altercation and that sanctions laid out in the official rules be applied should this be the case," SOS Racism said.

Neither Zidane nor Materazzi have spoken in public about what had passed between them before the incident. French television reported that Zidane would talk about the incident "in the coming days".

I don't think it excuses his actions, but if it's true, it can certainly explain why he snapped like that in what was otherwise a great game.

[incanada1234 0]

Ok, but I seriously laughed so hard when he head-butted that guy!

[Anyta Holland 1]

I think he should have been greater than that, and should have not resorted to that kind of violence... At least not whilst the match was still on... IMO...

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Supposedly other well-place football sources say it was about his mother - we don't know what was said until Zidane and/or Materazzi confirm it

[Ban Hammer 13,641]

Supposedly other well-place football sources say it was about his mother - we don't know what was said until Zidane and/or Materazzi confirm it

i heard he accused zidane of using deoderant

[alexcrv76 0]

I am positive Materazzi must have said something bad to him, Zidane played in Italy for a long time so he understands Italian perfectly. BTW whatever it was that Materazzi told him, nothing could ever justify a reaction such as that. If you get offended, be a man and ignore the moron or offend him back if you really must. Then again he is not new to stuff like this, this is actually the second time he head butt another player...he's disgusting.

Edited July 10, 2006 by alexcrv76

[Sister Fracas 5]

It wouldn't be a surprise that he had to be saying something really nasty for Zidane to react that way. Not condoning the behavior, and he should have had more class than what he was probably receiving, but eh, he probably deserved it too... Stupid...and too bad that's his exit to the World Cup stage.

[alexcrv76 0]

Supposedly other well-place football sources say it was about his mother - we don't know what was said until Zidane and/or Materazzi confirm it

i heard he accused zidane of using deoderant

Looking at how bad the man sweats I hope for everyone around him that he uses PLENTY of it...deodorant that is

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Racism and violence are nothing new to the 'beautiful game'. Shame it had to happen at the World Cup though...

[Sister Fracas 5]

I guess the Italian team doesn't sweat either, huh?

[alexcrv76 0]

Racism and violence are nothing new to the 'beautiful game'. Shame it had to happen at the World Cup though...

Sadly true...

I guess the Italian team doesn't sweat either, huh?

Oh they do and I am sure it doesn't smell like roses, but I always wondered if there is something wrong with Zidane..the man totally drips, even in the winter time

[VivaMexico 0]

No one should condone Zidane's actions, no matter what was said between the players!!! Trash talking is a part of sports, and athletes should be able to take ANY kind of trash talking without resorting to physical retribution. Zidane could have seriously injured Materazzi. No matter what Materazzi said, he didn't deserve that.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I believe Zidane reacted similarly many years ago when a Saudi player made fun of his origins too.

[VivaMexico 0]

I just saw this rather funny quote on ESPN from Materazzi: "'It is absolutely not true, I did not call him a terrorist. I'm ignorant. I don't even know what the word means."

Not sure I would tell the international press that I didn't know what "terrorist" means

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Wonder if anyone remembers this from a few years ago

Football violence is usually relegated to the fans who use friendly rivalry to justify racist attacks against foreign fans.

Deplorable when the players follow suit.