Should Zidane have been arrested?

Question

If we had seen pictures flashed around the world of a bald shirtless England fan head butting another fan in the street he would have been arrested.

Furthermore, no matter what the provocation or racial slurs he would have been detained until he went to court facing a certain prison sentence and banned from attending future international football matches.

One law for the rich and famous and one law for the rest.

Zidane has one of the most violent records of any footballer in recent years - more red cards than Vinny Jones or Roy Keane - so much for Mr Nice Guy

Answer 1

That is why the Italian Job to make Zidane hurt himself was so perfect.

The Italians won both ends of the World Cup.

They outpointed everyone on the field with their superior physical prowess, but out-psyched Zidane with their superior mental prowess.

They have truly earned the World Cup.

Answer 2

No he should'nt have been arrested, thats the stupidest thing i've ever heard. That may be the case in England, and good for the english. And this was not in the streets of england, it was on the soccer pitch. His punishment was the red card. What Zidane did, he did it because he was provoked. theres no reaction without provocation. He made a mistake, hes only human. You say this as if youre perfect and youve never done anything wrong in your life. and trust me, youre far from perfect. Zidane is like any other man, and he has his pride and dignity. Good for Zidane, i love him.

Answer 3

Technically in the laws of most Euro countries a violent attack like that can be punished with arrest. MM could - even now - sue Zidane for this. Then ZZ would go before a judge and probably fined or arrested (probably with suspended sentence since damage was limited). But could have been worse. Zidane was pathetic ... he said he apologised but then he did not apologise. Bad example of sports.

Answer 4

Hmmm. I think both Zizou and Materazzi would've been pretty unlucky for Zidane's action to have proved fatal.

So what does German law say on the subject of violence on the football field of play? What about amateur football?

Duncan Ferguson went to jail for a headbutt on an opponent when playing for Glasgow Rangers.

Eric Cantona was actually given a prison sentance for his kick at Selhurst Park. It was reduced to community service on appeal.

Answer 5

Unless the Italian had died or was seriously handicapped that he could no longer earn his livelihood as a professional Italian footballer, Zidane would have gone to prison.

But it turns out, the Italian RAT was not hurt enough to be scarred for life, instead we found him rejoicing in Italy's victory for which he had partly secured. Now you ask, where is the justice in that?

Answer 6

Zidane and everyone that has asked a question about that since should be arrested and thrown UNDER the jail-the games are over, people, get a life and move on!

Answer 7

Yes I think Zidane should of been arrested for what he did! When Materazzi had his arm on him it was to block him.And what ever Materazzi said Zidane never should of done that .Hes a bad Little Boy! ( hes an idiot)

Answer 8

I agree with you, one rule for the rich and famous, one for the rest of us! There was no need for Zidane headbutting another player, no matter what was said to him!!

Answer 9

Are you kidding me with this garbage? Plenty of sports are violent (hockey springs to mind) and while we could debate the merits of that at length, these people are not committing criminal acts. The authorities have more serious issues to deal with.

Answer 10

This isnt a serious question, is it?

Do you know how many times fights have broken out on football pitchs? Nobody has been arrested.