My thoughts on…the Zidane head butt controversy

July 14th 2006 -

The 2006 World Cup has ended. The jerseys have been put away, the war paint has been washed off and the stadiums are vacant. But the head butting incident involving Zidane and Materazzi is still on the lips of people worldwide, and may have matched the World Cup itself in terms of coverage. Even the Americans, who couldn’t be more apathetic about football, are talking about it. Most say that it was the only part of the finals worth watching. Typical. They can’t appreciate the grace and skill in which the players handle the ball, but they love a show of brute force. It has even inspired parodies, like the ones here. It has also inspired games, like this one.

But in the midst of all this sensationalism, people are still asking “Why?” All signs point to an insult from Materazzi. It is speculated that he called Zidane an Islamic terrorist, since he is of Algerian origin. Zidane cleared the air about it on a television interview in Paris Wesdnesday. He said Materazzi insulted his mother and sister during the World Cup final. He said he tried to ignore them but he kept repeating them. He also apologized to his fans for his actions, but had no regrets about it.I can understand why Zidane was angry, but I don’t approve of the way he handled the situation. He could have approached FIFA with it, as they are very harsh with indiscipline in football. Or he could have retaliated after the final. I guess he thought he had nothing to lose, since that was his final match. They must have been some serious insults, for him to leave such a blemish on his career. His actions could have cost France the Cup, and himself of the tournament’s best player award. Guess he should have used his head for something other than causing bodily harm. I wonder if Materazzi deliberately angered Zidane so that he could be sent off the field. He knows Zidane would be more than likely to react, as he has a history of hot-headedness. Eliminate France’s star player, the greatest threat to the Italians, and the World Cup is as good as theirs. It’s not impossible for such as high class sporting event, featuring a sport that both nations are so passionate about. One thing’s for sure, his head butt will not soon be forgotten and may just be the thing he’s remembered for.

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7 Responses on “My thoughts on…the Zidane head butt controversy”

J Anderson Says:
July 14th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
He’s French!
Dr. D. Says:
July 14th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I agree with what you have said here…seems there will be more to come.
Peety Says:
July 15th, 2006 at 6:08 am
Thanks for your visit and comment..

Wishing you a wonderful week-end..

:o)
Shaman Dandulla Says:
July 15th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Shame isn’t it… He is, of course, one of the greatest players ever… However, what people will remember will be the headbutting…
Why are we (humans) so cheap?
Maritza Says:
July 15th, 2006 at 12:29 pm
When the adrenaline is rushing through your body you’re very likely to react in an emotional, physical way. Out on the field, in the heat of battle, it’s very easy to get riled up. Too bad he’ll be remembered for the head butt.

By the way, I’m sure that myheritage.com will say that you look like a young Denzel Washington!
Rockantzy Says:
July 15th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
The game was quite enjoyable….until I got kicked off the field, darn.

Sometimes the biggest thing in sports is to get other players mad and make them lose their concentration, chances are you are right about the “get rid of the star player” tactic, teams will do everything and anything sometimes to get an edge.

I am not 100% sure but I heard that they supposedly played back the portion right before the “Zidane Head-Butt” where the insults were hurled for a lip reader and Materazzi had said that Zidane’s mother was a terrorist. I remember when it got played on the news I thought someone had mooned the stadium or something.

Later!
Stunner Says:
July 16th, 2006 at 11:54 pm
I agree with you. He has the right to be upset, but he should have controlled himself. But it seems he has a history of head-butting!

Loved the game in the post though, LOL!!!!