Zidane sending off...

[ken foree]

I suppose I should have used smiley faces...

verily the clock keys are whirring

[onenilgameover]

thinkin on it.....I don't reckon zidane was right going into that game...i reckon all the in-fighting and cliques and sh!t might have got to him. I think he knew France were poor in the qualifiers and poor in the group stages...he changed everything for them and dragged them to the final...practically managing the team...i think he knew that wasnt right...when roles are reversed it aint cool...i think in that spilt second with a alleged racial slur triggering him he thought this is all balls. I'm outta here. Football is a dirty game today and needs serious changes to regain its glory. Italian scandal...diving ridden games...Zidane as a player and as a man everyone looked up to. He for the most part was above the cr@p. This is a deep thinking man who loved lego for gods sake!. a great man. i hope this crazy act will in someone way make people realize racisim if thats what it was is alive and well in football and wont be put away by a few phony speeches before a couple of matches. I will not remember zidane for the act but for the thousands of other acts that made me smile and love this game.

[Forever Dreamin]

can anyone actually clarify is the 4th official allow intervene on the basis of tv replays on his montior? accoridng to the BBC he can not ( and that is my understanding) but according to RTE panel he can.

also i would love to know what was said to Zidane and will Matterrazi be charged with anything...from the tv it appeared he definitle said something which must have been highly insulting to have got Zidane to react and if so IMO Matterazi should face a 3 match ban as well.

[el punter]

Zidane will be remembered by me for scoring the most stunning goal to win a major final at Hampden Park with his outrageous volley against Levekusen.

I agree with the idea of Matterazi having a case to answer regarding ungentlemanly conduct.

[gspain]

can anyone actually clarify is the 4th official allow intervene on the basis of tv replays on his montior? accoridng to the BBC he can not ( and that is my understanding) but according to RTE panel he can.

also i would love to know what was said to Zidane and will Matterrazi be charged with anything...from the tv it appeared he definitle said something which must have been highly insulting to have got Zidane to react and if so IMO Matterazi should face a 3 match ban as well.

I think RTE got it wrong - it was the linesman I thought who intervened. Note the stadium monitors would not have shown the incident. Replays of anything even vaguely controversial were not shown in the stadium.

Sad end to a great career. He will be remembered for a lot more than the headbutt though.

[Stuttgart88]

Such a fine line between success & failure, total greatness & partial greatness etc.

Compare Zizou's penalty to Trezeguet's. Probably only an inch or two in the difference.

Also, if Zidane's header was only a foot or two wide of Buffon. I'd say this was playing on his mind. I'd say he was livid with himself for missing it & his mind got ****ed up as a result.

A shame, but he's still the most brilliant European footballer I've seen.

[nedder]

I think RTE got it wrong - it was the linesman I thought who intervened. Note the stadium monitors would not have shown the incident. Replays of anything even vaguely controversial were not shown in the stadium.

Sad end to a great career. He will be remembered for a lot more than the headbutt though.

According to both Lippi and Domenech, a replay of the incident was seen by the fourth and fifth official (didn't know there was one) when the looked at a monitor on the sideline, and subsequently reported to assisant referee.
Surely this is a clear breach of FIFA's own rules?

[Dodge]

What rule is that nedder?

[nedder]

A shame, but he's still the most brilliant European footballer I've seen.

Agreed. the best European player i've seen also. A joy to watch.
Is he retired from club football also?

[nedder]

What rule is that nedder?

The one about not using video evidence....

[Dodge]

Is there an actual rule though, or do they just not do it? Not stirring btw, genuinely want to know

Oh and yeah, Zidane's retired from all football.

[OwlsFan]

I reckon after his nip*le was pinched, the conversation went on to a salacious nature where ZZ's girlfriend, wife or whatever came into the discussion with perhaps a racial slur (what is ZZ's background ?) thrown in for good measure.

[lofty9]

ZZ - My footballing hero and now a legend. There is nothing wrong with having a bit of a nasty streak in you as a footballer, but his reaction last night was OTT. If that butt had've smashed into the Italian's face he would have needed ongoing surgery for the next year. It was a very violent and sad way to 'bow' out. Imagine how he feels today, he must be sick to his stomach. I doubt even if France had won the competition that he would have come out to celebrate or even lift the trophy, such was the nature of the red card.

[nedder]

Is there an actual rule though, or do they just not do it? Not stirring btw, genuinely want to know

Oh and yeah, Zidane's retired from all football.

Can't find an actual rule! But the point is they either use video replays or they don't. If they had of used them throughout the game, don't think the French penalty would have been given. Also the Figo headbutt earlier in the tournament? why wasn't he sent off on the basis of replays?


I think if it was the case that replay footage was used, its going to signal the start of using replays for a number of decisions.

[Dodge]

FIFA have stated no replays were used

[Junior]

i won't but anyway. materazzi pinched his nips, said a few things, i'm sure we'll get professional lip readers to tell us 'what' before long. materazzi's dive from the headbutt itself was pathetic, but that won't get covered by the media.

I thought the butt was pretty vicious tbh, not much play acting at all from Materazzi IMO. If it was a dive, Im sure the media would be covering it, they've made plenty of comments about diving over the course fo the WC and would revel in highlighting the fact that Materazzi and helped get Zizou sent off. They didn't.



no way should the french blame him. henry largely invisible. french actually beaten by two legit goals to one anyway.


Toni's header was offside, marginal yes, but offside nonetheless.

[Dodge]

I don't think it was offside. Strange that not one replay was shown during the game

[micls]

I don't think it was offside. Strange that not one replay was shown during the game

What channel was that. Watched it on BBC and showed a few replays showing it was definately offside...French stepped up and all 3 Italians were offside when the ball was played

[Junior]

I don't think it was offside. Strange that not one replay was shown during the game

BBC showed it a half time or full time can't remember which. Freeze frame looks to show all 3 italians offside. It was tight though.

[lofty9]

BBC showed it a half time or full time can't remember which. Freeze frame looks to show all 3 italians offside. It was tight though.

But Toni wasn't offside if that makes a difference?

[Junior]

Toni was one of the 3 - he was offside.

[micls]

But Toni wasn't offside if that makes a difference?

He was....and i would say the others were interfering with play even if he wasnt

[Jerry The Saint]

FIFA have stated no replays were used

The obvious response is "Well, they would say that wouldn't they".

I do think people are jumping to conclusions without knowing for sure whether the linesman saw it happen himself. Firstly, it's important to remember that the linesman is miked up and in communication with the ref so he doesn't need to wave his flag madly or make a public declaration that he's informing the ref. He can just calmly tell him 'Zidane just threw a loaf'.

Second-of-ly, look at how Elizondo handled the Rooney sending-off. The English conspiracy theorists claim that the ref was going to take no action until C. Ronaldo made the case for the prosecution. My take on both sendings off is that this ref waits until things have calmed down before taking action, instead of blazing in waving cards around and risking inflaming the situation.

[nedder]

As mentioned before both Domenech and Lippi have stated that the fourth official looked at a monitor on the sideline. Did they just make up the fact that a monitor was there? If they don't use replays then why is the monitor there at all?

[Dodge]

http://www.football365.com/news/story_188410.shtml

And Domenech though Materazzi was diving FFS so he's hardly an unbiased judge

[osarusan]

As mentioned before both Domenech and Lippi have stated that the fourth official looked at a monitor on the sideline. Did they just make up the fact that a monitor was there? If they don't use replays then why is the monitor there at all?

There is a differnce between just looking at a monitor and actually informing the referee.

But I agree with you that this needs to be cleared up quickly, because if TV evidence was used, it must be used for all incidents, and you cant just pick and choose what you tell the referee.

[NeilMcD]

Its the 5th official that has the monitor and the 4th official does not. It was the 4th official that contacted the referee.

[osarusan]

Fifa's story here..............

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/france/5164616.stm

[WeAreRovers]

From what I could see the total legend that is Gianluigi Buffon went over to the linesman and reminded him that he had seen the incident and should inform the referee. The linesman and the ref then consulted together and Zizou was sent off.

Mind you I was very busy jumping up and down and laughing at Zizou that I may have that wrong. ;)

KOH

PS Marco Materazzi is my hero. What a man, scores equaliser, gets Zidane sent-off, converts penalty and has the best Marx Bros style comedy Italian face ever! Forza Italia!!

[lopez]

...Of course it matters what Materazzi said to Zidane. Materazzi is well known for unprofessional antics as well. The whole French team, in particular, have been subjected to terrible racism back in France. If Materazzi said a racist comment, then it is easier to understand why Zidane reacted unprofessionally, like any hot tempered red blooded man would have. Who knows, Zidane could soon be endorsing "lets stamp racism out of football", literally. I cant wait to hear more about the incident, as I say, if it was racist, I for one would have probably said or done something as well...Flea, you spoilt what is an otherwise excellent post. Being racially abused doesn't make his actions any more acceptable or understandable than if Materazzi called him spam-head. If I nutted someone everytime I heard a racist comment in my presence about the Irish, I'd be doing more time in British jails than Mad Frankie Fraser. Paddy, cr*p 'Irish' jokes, using Irish as a adjective for stupidity, 'are you in the IRA?', and a general acceptance that the Irish in Britain are great sorts because (and they generally do) put up with this sh*t, unlike those more sensitive darkies.

Perhaps you think I'm exaggerating, but why should say you or I put up with this abuse and Zidane not. Because we're white? Because we're now one of the richest nations in the world, both culturally and financially? Or that we're Irish, and we're those great sorts that I've mentioned above. Because take it from me, it hurts (especially as a child, which again Zidane isn't) just as much as any other form of racism.

Zidane's last act on the field was to get sent off for a vicious head butt. It's hardly surprising that that's a lot of people's significant memory of him.

[nedder]

Its the 5th official that has the monitor and the 4th official does not. It was the 4th official that contacted the referee.

Is the 5th official miked up as well, or is he merely an observer?

[Sheridan]

My source in Italy tells me that Materazzi is alleged to have called Zidane "a terrorist."

Bear in mind that many people prefer their Italian sources thick with a pinch of salt, but this is what I was told.

[TheOwl]

My source in Italy tells me that Materazzi is alleged to have called Zidane "a terrorist."

Bear in mind that many people prefer their Italian sources thick with a pinch of salt, but this is what I was told.

Now my source on this is somebody who works in Lithuanian news agency (so make of that what you will), but I have also heard Mattarazzi called Zidane a “terrorist” and followed it up with an Arabic slur.

It was one of the most astonishing things I have seen on a football field, made all the stranger watching it in a packed pub here in Paris. You could literally feel the good vibe that has engulfed this country over the last few weeks being sucked out in one moment. This World Cup has been more about Zidane than the French team for the French people. Everybody has been singing this stupid “"Zidane y va marqué!!!!” song - must have heard it in work AT LEAST 30 times this weekend, and every time his face appeared on screen last night there were massive roars.

You could really see everyone reaching for a reason to defend him last night but each replay brought more and more wincing.

When he was walking off last night, some were applauding him, a couple were deriding his idiotic act, most were just shaking their heads in disbelief.

Up until that moment I thought France were going to win it, I think most people in the pub felt the same, but everything changed with the red card, it was like the night had already been ruined and the penalties didn’t seem to matter that much,

Psychologically it all must have effected the French team too.

It looked like Zidane was going to go out on such a great high (I actually thought he was very good again last night), even if they had lost, it would have been such a heroic exit.

This really will tarnish his legacy somewhat.

[Dodge]

Zidane lost a bit of it in translations. Materazzi said "Zizou, you are terrorising us" talking about Zidane's trickery against the Italian defence (On the pics you can see Zidane laugh) As they're walking away Zidane turns and said "Wait!? Did you just call me a terrorist". Materazzi, in true Munty Pythin stle said "yeah, I mean N" - THWACK!!!!! He's on his arse before he can correct himself.

At least that’s what my sources tell me

[Billsthoughts]

Very sad I thought. He was the most creative influence on the tournament. Some of the pompous hand wringing going on here would put Garth Crooks to shame. I suppose you either like watchin football the way it should be played or you just are a moany oul **** with deep personal anger issues that you project on to insignificant events in order to avoid having to confront the gaping hole of nothingness that is your life. I like Zidane myself.

[OwlsFan]

Zidane lost a bit of it in translations. Materazzi said "Zizou, you are terrorising us" talking about Zidane's trickery against the Italian defence (On the pics you can see Zidane laugh) As they're walking away Zidane turns and said "Wait!? Did you just call me a terrorist". Materazzi, in true Munty Pythin stle said "yeah, I mean N" - THWACK!!!!! He's on his arse before he can correct himself.

At least that’s what my sources tell me

:D :D

Does it matter what he said really ? If we butted someone every time we were insulted, life wouldn't be worth living. Thank God he didn't go for the face otherwise Materazzi would now be a toothless wonder.

[jebus]

Surprised that some on here have agreed with the over-reaction greeting Zidane's sending off. Not that he shouldn't have been. but the tabloids and the BBC saying that this has spoiled everything Zidane has done in his career is a bit much. Has anything Maradona ever done overshadowed his career? Remember in 94 when people were saying all he'd be remembered for was his drugs shame, yet here we are 12 years later and no-one even mentions it anymore. Loved the hypocritical BBC saying that a violent act always deserves a straight red, just a week after crying their eyes out at Rooney being sent off for just such a thing, absolute muppets.

On a personal note I think that at some stage what players are justified in saying to their fellow professionals will have to be reviewed. If the Notorious CHEAT that is a Materazzi did make an ethnic slur to Zidane than I feel the neadbutt was fully justified, hopefully we'll find out someday what was really said. Where's that Man Utd fan that could lip read Finnan mouthing off to Neville when you need him?

[rerun]

...Loved the hypocritical BBC saying that a violent act always deserves a straight red, just a week after crying their eyes out at Rooney being sent off for just such a thing, absolute muppets.


The funny thing about the Rooney sending off is that it was for the push on Ronaldo, or at least the referee didn't go for the card until after he does it.


On a personal note I think that at some stage what players are justified in saying to their fellow professionals will have to be reviewed. If the Notorious CHEAT that is a Materazzi did make an ethnic slur to Zidane than I feel the neadbutt was fully justified, ...

It's fairly obvious Zidane lost it when he headbutted Materazzi because if he had been thinking and wanted to stick one on him he would have made sure Materazzi couldn't continue. Italy had used all three subs by that point hadn't they?

[jebus]

The funny thing about the Rooney sending off is that it was for the push on Ronaldo, or at least the referee didn't go for the card until after he does it.



It's fairly obvious Zidane lost it when he headbutted Materazzi because if he had been thinking and wanted to stick one on him he would have made sure Materazzi couldn't continue. Italy had used all three subs by that point hadn't they?

I realise that Zidane lost it, and trust me, I think he should have been given that red, I doubt that even his family would dispute that. But players making racial slurs at others (even if Materazzi didn't it happens), is just as bad, and in my book, much more disgraceful then throwing a head at the perpetrator.

And the point about the Beeb is that they got themselves into such a knot trying to explain how the push on Ronaldo was justified because of Ronalso trying to get him booked for his stamp, when if they'd only commentate to the laws of the game they'd realise that a push is equally as bad in the rulebook as a headbutt, and both warrant the red card

[Jerry The Saint]

Zidane lost a bit of it in translations. Materazzi said "Zizou, you are terrorising us" talking about Zidane's trickery against the Italian defence (On the pics you can see Zidane laugh) As they're walking away Zidane turns and said "Wait!? Did you just call me a terrorist". Materazzi, in true Munty Pythin stle said "yeah, I mean N" - THWACK!!!!! He's on his arse before he can correct himself.

At least that’s what my sources tell me

Any indications from your sources that Materazzi may have said "HEY TERRORIST! Terrorize this!".

[Soko]

The funny thing about the Rooney sending off is that it was for the push on Ronaldo, or at least the referee didn't go for the card until after he does it.



Watch it again, the ref clearly makes a stamping motion and indicates thats why Rooney was sent off. How can people miss these things?

[el punter]

It's hardly surprising that that's a lot of people's significant memory of him.

A significant memory from yesterday.

Maradona is remembered for more than the handball goal.
Cantona is remembered for more than kicking the Palace fan.
Roy Keane is remembered for more than walking out of Saipan.
Johann Cruyff is remembered for more than walking out of the World Cup.
Liam Brady is remembered for more than chinning the Bulgarian.
George Best is remembered for more than $hagging and boozing.
Pele is remembered for more than promoting erectile disfunction.

Time must pass before we can say what the significant memories really are, but great players are associated with more than one memory. Life just isn't that simple that one incident is attached to one person (unless your Mark David Chapman / Jack Ruby etc)

It's a poetically tragic end to a supreme career. A near unscriptable twist to end the tale.

Oddly enough, the comment piece in Sunday's Times almost predicted such an end...well worth a hindsight-tinted read if you can find it.

[jebus]

The French seem to be sticking behind him according to news reports. Boumsong has said he apologised straight away after the match for losing his head, Henry said that all that should be sadi to Zidane now is thank you for being a great player, and Trezeguet has said that "Zidane can walk away with his head held high, whilst Materazzi with his cup winners medal should be hanging his for what he said. There is more to life than football". Interesting words from Trezeguet, maybe Zidane told him what was said

[Dodge]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/france/5164094.stm

[hoops1]

whatever Materazzi said i think he should be given 2 medals
ZZ took the bait big style
why didnt he just nut him after the match

[oconghc2]

Watch it again, the ref clearly makes a stamping motion and indicates thats why Rooney was sent off. How can people miss these things?


just pure tabloid crap!! + the disgraceful bias in the media (english) towards their team!

[Superhoops]

.......than I feel the neadbutt was fully justified.......
I would find it really sad if any true football fan ever believed there could be some circumstance where headbutting an opponent on the field of play would ever be justified. :o :confused:

[A face]

It was a great headbutt though !! (http://imagesocket.com/images/zidane29b.gif)

[Sligo Hornet]

Just a thought............he is about to have a book published....maybe his publisher had suggested an " outragous final act" to launch the sales into orbit!!...........or am I just a huge cynic??;)

[A face]

Zizou the enforcer !! (http://tonaz.altervista.org/zidane.html)

Power Up (http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/4282/zidane51kx.gif)