What did the Italian guy say to Zidane to get that head butt to the chest? Was that not outrageous?

Answer 1

I don't know but I was cheering for France but then when he headed the Italian, I cheered for Italy cause Zidane changed my mind by doing something that stupid. I mean the guy is retiring from the World Cup and he wants to go out by doing something stupid like that. IDIOT!!!!

Answer 2

Speaking about Americans not "knowing soccer..." Have a look at this video of Materazzi's kicking, punching, and out and out assaults. It is no wonder someone didn't head butt the idiot long before the World Cup Final! Some people wish he would have head butted the guy all the way back to Italy--except couple that with the fact that Materazzi is not the most beloved player in Europe.... Well, let's just say that Materazzi got the better of Zidane, but in Europe, Zidane is BY FAR the more respected player. Racial tensions between Italians and anyone from Africa are high right now--especially anyone of Arab descent, which is where Zidane stands. As I am European, I can personally attest that anti-semitism and anti-arabism are alive and very well in the south of Europe! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&search=Materazzi

Answer 3

Based upon various reports from professional lip readers who have studied the tapes of the head butt, it appears he said something about him being a "dirty butt-******* muslim", and various comments about his "mother and sister being a whore". Plus there was a debated comment about him being a "dirty muslim terrorist". The terrorist comment has been supported by a few lip readers but denied by a few others.

Personally, if he said that crap to me and there were any racist remarks like that, I would have likely hit him too. I'd put up with the "your mama's a whore comment" but the religous comment and the terrorist thing, went too far.

Just a side note though, Zidane's mother had been hospitalized only hours before the game so this likely played a part in his reaction.

Now, I am German so I could care less who won, but there is more to this story than is being told... Zidane's actions were wrong but the itlalian guy should have kept his mouth shut too. If the muslim comment and/or the terrorist comment are true, then the Itlalian guy deserved exactly what he got. And if it was me, I would have likely kicked him in the nuts afterwards. However if these things weren't actually said, which I doubt, then Zidane is a disgrace.

That being said, there's no room anywhere for racist and ignorant comments like that and if they were made, actions should be taken against the italian player.

Answer 4

As far as I am concerned, this has being going on for too long. These Italians play ugly football. Remember, this is the first time Zidane headbutted someone, but not the first time the Italians have been involved in a fracas. Remember their brawl with the Germans during their semi-final match? What about their fracas with the Australians. The Aussies called the Italians a bunch of 'unwashed, dirty bastards' and I for once completely agree. Totti is the best diver in the business, he should have been an Olympic diving contender! They can only injure other players like what they did against South Korea last World Cup. Plus, their Italia league is currently embroiled in a match-fixing scandal. They don't deserve to hold the cup. It was obviously a racist insult that pissed Zidane off. What ticks me off is that Italy would have won even without their dirty tactics as they have a better goalie. They won the World Cup, don't expect any congrats from me, oh yeah and now that they have the cup, they can stick it where the sun don't shine. Spagetti-bending scumbags.....

Answer 5

I don't think Zidane's actions are justifiable. It was disgraceful and quite frankly disappointed me a lot. I have seen him play for years and it is just sad that such a talented, awesome player left the soccer world in such a way. However, I am absolutely certain that the only way he could SNAP like that, would be if that Italian prick directed a verbal insult so fallacious that it would make anyone snap. Watching the replays, I wouldn't be surprised if Materazzi directed a racial slur behind his back. After all, if the Italians are not racists, how come they have never had a black player on their team????? There are many African immigrants in Italy...Nevertheless, Zidane would have outclassed us all and became a living legend had he just walked away or given a big smile on his face, the same you direct to little children...

Answer 6

According to ESPN, the referee didn't initial see the head butt but after replaying it, the ref decide to give him a red card. That Italian deserve that head butt from Zidane after accusing him of being born by a "terrorist whore" Zidane's mother. Zidane's mother was admitted into a hospital earlier that same morning for unknown reasons. Emotions take the best of us at the heat of the moment but it is wrong for Zidane to do the head butt but it was also wrong for that Italian to talk trash about his mom especially immediately after being hospitalized. Did he deserve the red card? I think Zidane should have kick the sh#t out of that Italian since the red card was going to be given out anyway.

Answer 7

First of all, I completly agree with what zidane. his head butt was the equivalent of a goal for me. I say he should have kicked that Italien while he was on the floor. Zidane doesn't react for no reason. I am positive the Italien said something very offensive to Zidane.
Secondly, it's ridiculous to say that zidane cost France the World Cup becuase even if he wasn't carded, the game was most likely gonna go to penalty kicks and Trezugaut was still gonna take a penalty kick.. The mistake was really the French coaches', Domenach, for taking Henry and Ribery out and putting Trezugaut and Wiltord in the game. If I was in that position I would have Henry, Ribery, Sagnol, Malouda, and Abidal take the penalty kicks.

Answer 8

Zidane did not cost France the game at all. With only minutes left to play, France would have been extremely lucky to get off another offensive strike against the world's best defense. Going into penalty kicks, Trezegeut is a capable forward and would have still taken his shot, and he still would have missed. The only thing Zidane did messed up was his farewell game. It's truly is a sad sight to see one of the world's greatest players leave the field in that manner

Answer 9

I think that this was preplanned by Italy players and coach because they know that Zidane is a furious player that's why they only have to tackle him. They also give him a blow on his right injured shoulder that's why he was out from game for a while. Italy players know that Zidane is backbone of France team so that's why they only tackle Zidane but overall its not good for Zidane,France and the fans all over the world for Zidane.

Answer 10

It was a racial slur
because Zidane is originally from algeria but his parents immigrated to france so he is not a true french. A while back, another italian player said a racial slur and zidane hit the player too. it was unfortunate for zidane to end his career like that but good job italy!