If Materazzi really said "son of a terrorist whore, I hope your family dies", should he be banned for life?

Question

If he really said that only, some lip readers apparently say he said that.

Answer 1

Well I don't know if he should be "banned for life," but a heavy penalty needs to levied on that scum. Not to mention the fact that he will no doubt lose a lot of respect from his peers, and soccer fans worldwide when the story is fully exposed to everyone.

As for those of you who say things like "verbal abuse is no excuse for physical abuse," note that what Zidane did was NOT systematic abuse, but actually a knee-jerk reaction to a horrific slew of racial slurs directed at him. Actually, when you think about it, Zidane's response was very measured. It's not like he punched out Materazzi or beat his face in, which is what I'd be tempted to do if I was subject to any of that racial rhetoric.

I also would like to point out to those who say that Mediteraneans are not racist, that many (but not all) of those of Italian heritage here in the United States are infact racist against minorities such as Blacks and Hispanics. I believe their native culture and ideology has something to do with this tendency.

All controversy aside, a part of me is actually glad that Zidane did lash out a little instead of just standing there and taking it all in. Now racism in soccer and dumbfu*k sh!theads like Materazzi will be exposed for the evil they personify, and the problem can be given the appropriate attention that it deserves.

PS - I've provided the link below for a net article that claims that Materazzi did infact say those things to Zidane.

Answer 2

I don't think he should be banned for life, I mean everyone deserves a second chance. He should be given a long ban though because racism has no place in football. Materazzi was out of order, but instead of blaming one man, the wider picture should be looked at and tackled.

Answer 3

No. It is not an offence or banned under the rules. Violent play is. Hence the red card. But shouldn't people who use violence on the field also be charged by the police with the crime?

Why do people seem to accept crimes committed on a football field should somehow be exempt. So long as it is accepted on the football field, how do you stop the supporters violence?

Answer 4

If you know materazzi, you'll know that he doesn't like to actually insult someone as a terrorist. it's not in the Mediterranean's blood to do that

Answer 5

i too heard from lips that Materazzi said as you mentioned. if he said so he must also get some punishment.

Answer 6

Can't say what penalty he deserves, but it surely tarnishes Italy's victory, which is a shame.

Also, he seems disingenuous. He has been quoted as saying, "I did not call ZIDANE a terrorist" (my emphasis) "I am not cultured, I don't even know what the word [terrorist] means."

Is there really anyone in 2006 who doesn't know what 'terrorist' refers to?

Answer 7

I don't think that's what he said. Both parties have already issued statements as to what was said, but their stories arent the same. Verbal abuse is never an excuse for physical abuse on the pitch.

Answer 8

He must be punished! And it should be a memorable punish, so all the other players would never repeat his atitude on the field. And in this way it would be an example of punishing racism.

Answer 9

OK so he is an *** for saying that, but physical contact is something diffrent. It should have been settled outside, and not during the game. He did what he was told to do in my opinion.

Answer 10

Yeah he should be banned for life. After all, he said that to Zinedine Zidane...