Zidane sending off...

[greenumbro]

Terrible to see such a great player retire with such a bad action... disgraceful... and v sad... :mad:

[The Stars]

delighted he did it to Materazzi though,he is always fouling and finaly met his match.

[Red&White Rover]

imagine how zidane must feel now...what he did was inexcusable..

[Dodge]

What a player, even his headbutts are ****ing class.

[Karlos]

I'm a big Zizou fan but it was a terrible way to end his career. I felt sick when I saw the replay. Disgraceful act. :mad:

[ken foree]

it was rank alright but a typical overreaction from the winder-upper, per usual. if zidane had nutted him properly, in the face like...

forza italia, happy for them all the same.

[ken foree]

and p.s. that toni goal shoulda stood. first peno wasn't a peno but the 2nd challenge on malouda was. funny old game etc.

[joema]

Couldnt believe what I was seeing. Total disgrace - he will be slaughtered in the press and villified in France for the rest of hs life and rightly so. He cost them them the world cup. He let his team and his country down big time. And he was supposed to be their captain. What a way to end his career

[Superhoops]

delighted he did it to Materazzi though,he is always fouling and finaly met his match.


it was rank alright but a typical overreaction from the winder-upper, per usual. if zidane had nutted him properly, in the face like...

Jesus lads to try and make any excuse or justification for Zidane's act is unbelievable. It you love football you have to condemn this totally.

For me this will overshadow everything good that Zidane ever did on a football pitch. It is very very sad that he chose to do it at all but to do it on the biggest stage in the world all beggars belief.

[onenilgameover]

surely there is nothing that could have been said to him that he hasn't already heard before...maybe he was trying nab a smoke off him...:eek:

[joema]

delighted he did it to Materazzi though,he is always fouling and finaly met his match.

What are you on about? It worked out well for Materazzi - Zidane was sent off, Materazzi played on, scored a penalty and is now a World Champion!!!!

Totally agree with Superhoops - what Zidane did overshadows everything good he did on a football pitch before. He will always be rembered for this - just unbelievable - total muppet

[Clifford]

He won't be remembered for this alone, but it's a shame it ended like this.

I'll wait and see what comes out about what Matterazzi said just out of interest. But it's truly gutting to see him bow out like that.

[jockser]

was a shame to end such a great career like that

[IsMiseSean]

Sad finish 2 a great career, he'll always be remembered for that headbutt

[Karlos]

He won't be remembered for this alone, but it's a shame it ended like this.

I'll wait and see what comes out about what Matterazzi said just out of interest. But it's truly gutting to see him bow out like that.

Agree with all of the above. For me Zizou followed on from Maradonna as my footballing idol over the last 10 years. I'll remember him for far more than this incident. :)

[joema]

For me he will always be rembered for this - I mean he was supposed to be captain - just look at the amount of people he has let down

[FarBeag]

I really did not think he was that type of player, very surprised to say the least.It would be interesting to find out how many times he has being sent off in his career.Its a sad end to one of the best players i have seen for the last 15 years or so.

[nedder]

For me he will always be rembered for this - I mean he was supposed to be captain - just look at the amount of people he has let down

Bit harsh. moment of madness, but he was a big part in getting france to the final. I think the Frenh people won't be too hard on him

[sniffa]

It really was an inexcusable act.

But much more worrying was how he was red-carded.
FIFA have made it plain that they are not prepared to use action replays during a game.
It is almost certain that the 4th official watched a replay of the incident and then informed the ref.
Now if thats the facts, then why didnt he also watch the replay of the penalty that wasnt given in the second half.
If he did watch it and the peno given and scored it probably wouldnt had gone to extra-time and the Zidane incident would never had happened.

I must stress here I am not condoning the actions of Zidane but I'm questioning the actions of the 4th official and ref.
If FIFA have decided NOT to use action replays then why did the official do so?

[pineapple stu]

Couldnt believe what I was seeing. Total disgrace - he will be slaughtered in the press and villified in France for the rest of hs life and rightly so. He cost them them the world cup. He let his team and his country down big time. And he was supposed to be their captain. What a way to end his career
Complete overreaction. Yes, it was uttelry stupid, but the game was going to penalties from about the hour mark, so it certainly didn't cost them the game. I can't see him being villified in France for "the rest of his life" either.

[joema]

Bit harsh. moment of madness, but he was a big part in getting france to the final. I think the Frenh people won't be too hard on him

Moment of madness? - you cant use that as an excuse - this is the World Cup Final - the biggest stage of all, he is supposed to be a hero and a legend of the game aswell as a person to look up to. Just look at the amount of young people in France who wear his name on the back of their shirts and just think of the supporter who payed 500euro to see the match - he is a total disgrace and imo has completley tarnished his career. Imo it doesnt matter what the Italian said what he did can't be excused

[Closed Account 2]

I really did not think he was that type of player, very surprised to say the least.It would be interesting to find out how many times he has being sent off in his career.Its a sad end to one of the best players i have seen for the last 15 years or so.


I remember he was sent off v Saudi Arabia in WC98, and also for Juve in the Champions League v Hamburg SV, can't remember any other times.

It was a silly thing to do, you do wonder what on earth can Matarazzi have said to him to provoke such a reaction. It didnt look a particularly bad-blooded game before that.

Still I guess the 4 game ban Fifa will give him is a bit of a joke now.

[joema]

Complete overreaction. Yes, it was uttelry stupid, but the game was going to penalties from about the hour mark, so it certainly didn't cost them the game. I can't see him being villified in France for "the rest of his life" either.

I Disagree Stu - I think he did cost them the match - when he went the players lost their inspirational figure and their leader, they were already out on their feet and now had to battle on with 10 men - Imo France had them on the ropes to a degree - all they needed was one moment of creativity from their most gifted player to finish off the Italians.

Tell me how do you know it was going to penos? - there was always a decent chance it would end in pens but it was not certain - also it was bad enough for the French that they were missing Henry for the shootout but now they also were without Zidane who surely would have been odds on to score.

[pineapple stu]

Tell me how do you know it was going to penos?
It was just that kind of match. Tedious and without inspration. Zidane was sent off...what - ten minutes from the end? At that stage, both sides had shown that they weren't capable of winning it in normal time. Presumably Zidane would have taken a kick and scored, but he wouldn't have booted the miss out of the first five (ignoring any chaos theory ramifications obivously)

[joema]

It was just that kind of match. Tedious and without inspration. Zidane was sent off...what - ten minutes from the end? At that stage, both sides had shown that they weren't capable of winning it in normal time. Presumably Zidane would have taken a kick and scored, but he wouldn't have booted the miss out of the first five (ignoring any chaos theory ramifications obivously)

"Just that kind of match" - what kind of a statement is that? Stu, there is no way of being sure that game was going to pens.
As for saying I am over reacting just look at my other post - look how many people Zidane let down - no excuse

[pineapple stu]

"Just that kind of match" - what kind of a statement is that? Stu, there is no way of being sure that game was going to pens.

Ah now. There clearly was absolutely no inspiration at all in that match, let alone in the last ten minutes. Who was going to win it? It was clearly headed for penalties. It's quite a logical - and common - statement. Zidane had done nothing all game bar score the penalty and have a header well saved - he wasn't going to turn it around in the last ten minutes.

[lopez]

I remember he was sent off ...also for Juve in the Champions League v Hamburg SV, can't remember any other times.He also got sent off earlier in the same group that year (2000) against Deportivo. Interesting to find out the catalyst here. Maybe Materazzi mentioned something about his mother? :rolleyes:

[gustavo]

Of course there was the theory that I saw on another forum :D

" Zidane probably hates Matarazzi like everyone else, hes won leagues, european cups, the european championships and the world cup, he probably just thought "f**k it, ive won this before and theres just one thing i have to do now before i retire" Then Butts him

a few gifs of it too

http://imagesocket.com/images/zidane29b.gif
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9435/zidane27xu.gif

[Sheridan]

For me this will overshadow everything good that Zidane ever did on a football pitch.
In fairness, that comment is hyperbolical b0llocks. Or have you forgotten that he missed half the 1998 World Cup for stamping needleesly on a prostrate Saudi?

Even running on vapours he was the best attacking player on the field until his ejection.

[joema]

Ah now. There clearly was absolutely no inspiration at all in that match, let alone in the last ten minutes. Who was going to win it? It was clearly headed for penalties. It's quite a logical - and common - statement. Zidane had done nothing all game bar score the penalty and have a header well saved - he wasn't going to turn it around in the last ten minutes.

Thats not how football works - just because someone has been quiet all game does not mean they are not able to produce a match winning piece of skill - just look at Ronaldo - does nothing all game then all of a sudden scores a goal. Same goes for Zidane - he was quiet but he is always a constant threat. Also many games look to have nil all written all over them but then someone special i.e a player like Zidane produces a match winner

Also you say there was "no inspiration" - that is true but it only takes a second for a moment of inspiration to occur - even if he only missed ten minutes or so he still could have produced something special in that period

[DmanDmythDledge]

In fairness, that comment is hyperbolical b0llocks. Or have you forgotten that he missed half the 1998 World Cup for stamping needleesly on a prostrate Saudi?

Even running on vapours he was the best attacking player on the field until his ejection.
I think that people will remember this more seeing that it was his last game and the media had hyped-up that he would bow out in glory, being France's catalyst for success. Scoring two in the final made up for the sending-off in 98.

[joema]

In fairness, that comment is hyperbolical b0llocks. Or have you forgotten that he missed half the 1998 World Cup for stamping needleesly on a prostrate Saudi?

Even running on vapours he was the best attacking player on the field until his ejection.

Superhoops said "for me this will overshadow..." i.e when he thinks of Zidane he will remember this incident above all else - how can you call that "hyperbolical b0llocks" ?

[pineapple stu]

Thats not how football works - just because someone has been quiet all game does not mean they are not able to produce a match winning piece of skill - just look at Ronaldo - does nothing all game then all of a sudden scores a goal. Same goes for Zidane - he was quiet but he is always a constant threat. Also many games look to have nil all written all over them but then someone special i.e a player like Zidane produces a match winner

Also you say there was "no inspiration" - that is true but it only takes a second for a moment of inspiration to occur - even if he only missed ten minutes or so he still could have produced something special in that period
You get a feel for games. There was no way that there was anything giong to happen in that one. Of course it might have happened, but let's be honest - the chances of nothing happening, the game going to penalties and ending with the same result far outweighed the chances of Zidane popping up and doing something, which he had steadfastedly refused to do for the previous 110 minutes. He certainly didn't cost his team the World Cup. There's absolutely no evidence that he would have won the game in the last ten minutes on his own, so to say he cost his team the title is a bit over the top. Which was my point.

[RonnieB]

Yup. He will be remembered as a great player for them. Apart from one moment of madness. It was a head to the chest truely horrifying :rolleyes: I hope I will sleep tonight.

[joema]

You get a feel for games. There was no way that there was anything giong to happen in that one. Of course it might have happened, but let's be honest - the chances of nothing happening, the game going to penalties and ending with the same result far outweighed the chances of Zidane popping up and doing something, which he had steadfastedly refused to do for the previous 110 minutes. He certainly didn't cost his team the World Cup. There's absolutely no evidence that he would have won the game in the last ten minutes on his own, so to say he cost his team the title is a bit over the top. Which was my point.

Sorry but that statement (in bold) is a load of bull imo, simple as that - sure I get a feeling I might win the lotto every time I play!!!

"There was no way that there was anything giong to happen in that one." - Are you Mystic Meg or something?

As long as Zidane was on that pitch France had a great chance of winning - all they neede was to deliver the final blow - but instead Zidane lost the plot and let everyone down

[ken foree]

I think that people will remember this more seeing that it was his last game

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. thus my previous comment, if zidane had nutted him in the teeth we could consider it truly vicious. look again, nothing injurious about that lunge at all at all. rash. stupid, yes. zidane was the best attacker on the pitch tonight while i agree it's an awful way to bow out.

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

perhaps the worse thing than the act itself was not returning to the pitch for his teammates.

[pineapple stu]

Sorry but that statement (in bold) is a load of bull imo, simple as that - sure I get a feeling I might win the lotto every time I play!!!
Big difference being that I was right and you were wrong.

I was saying it during the game that it was going to penalties. The chances are that Zidane being on the pitch wouldn't have made a difference. Therefore I feel your comment was a big exaggerated.

[pineapple stu]

http://imagesocket.com/images/zidane29b.gif
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/9435/zidane27xu.gif
Ah, the internet is great! :D

[joema]

Big difference being that I was right and you were wrong.

I was saying it during the game that it was going to penalties. The chances are that Zidane being on the pitch wouldn't have made a difference. Therefore I feel your comment was a big exaggerated.

I'll go back to my earlier point - there was no way of knowing for certain that that game was going to pens - thats just your opinion - I felt we were going to get a winner in extra time and iirc so did at least two of the panelists. You say you had a feeling - now is that not just a wee bit vague??

"Big difference being that I was right and you were wrong."
:D :D :D

[Dodge]

Jesus lads to try and make any excuse or justification for Zidane's act is unbelievable. It you love football you have to condemn this totally.
For me this will overshadow everything good that Zidane ever did on a football pitch. It is very very sad that he chose to do it at all but to do it on the biggest stage in the world all beggars belief.
If you love football, you allow Zidane to do whatver he likes. Anyone who thinks this headbutt takes away, in anyway, for 10+ years of brilliance is taking PC football to the limit. Of course it was stupid but so what, he's the only one to lose out, he doesn't owe anybody anything.

BTW Materazzi was brilliant tonight. MOTM by a mile IMO, even before the sending off

[jockser]

What about Zindanes penalty!!?? Fcuking class and balls of steal to do that :)
Legend!

[Marked Man]

Zidane will be remembered solely for that just like Maradona is remembered solely for the hand of god goal.

[joema]

Zidane will be remembered solely for that just like Maradona is remembered solely for the hand of god goal.

Maybe you should replace the word "solely" with "principally" ?

[DmanDmythDledge]

Zidane will be remembered solely for that just like Maradona is remembered solely for the hand of god goal.
Maradona is remembered more for his other goal against England(best WC goal of all time imo) and for winning the '86 WC for Argentina by carrying a mediocre team through the tournament.

What you remember Zidane for is really a 'do you think the glass is half empty/half full?' sort of question. Real football fans will remember his sparkling genius, while others are always ready to have a go at someone, point the finger, will look at the negative aspect.

[dfx-]

Zidane deserved to be sent off, Italy won. I don't really see how anyone can link the two together. I don't think he had anything to do with Trezeguet's miss which is what actually sent France out. As with pineapple stu, there was little going to happen in those last 10 minutes. There was nothing to show there was going to be, you can't say Zidane ruined his country's chances and let *so many* people down. :rolleyes:

I think there is an underlying petulant streak in him and it happened tonight, it's sad to see, but as for the hyperbolé as him being tarnished forever is equally as sad, disappointing, predictable and yet not very surprising. His moments of genius should prevail.

[Soko]

Joema - stop talking out your hole or else start using some of that memory bank I presume you have. Zidane committed a disgraceful headbutt but to wipe away his previous WC, EC, Serie A, La Liga and European Cups for it is just retarded.


As for deciding the game, I wouldn't have layed any money for the draw. Yes anything can happen but odds were that it was heading to penalties any way and Zidane would have maybe taken one of the scorers kicks. I dont think it factored an awful lot into the result, just peoples perceptions of him.

[The Stars]

What are you on about? It worked out well for Materazzi - Zidane was sent off, Materazzi played on, scored a penalty and is now a World Champion!!!!

Totally agree with Superhoops - what Zidane did overshadows everything good he did on a football pitch before. He will always be rembered for this - just unbelievable - total muppet
If you watch Materazzi he fouls so much and never gets anything in return but a tap on the ankles now and again.Zidane just lost it with him and gave a head butt for everyone that Materazzi had kicked or whatever.
It was madness considering the ocassion and the fact it was say by millions of people.
Zidane was the only one on the French team that was a danger in the second half for France.He wanted this so much,which could be seen by the fact that he came back on after he went off with the shoulder injury and although in pain,continued.

Anyone who remembers him solely for this incident has the memory of a gold fish.He has been arguebly the greatest player of his generation,and will be remembered for his footballing genius.

[Marked Man]

Maradona is remembered more for his other goal against England(best WC goal of all time imo) and for winning the '86 WC for Argentina by carrying a mediocre team through the tournament.

What you remember Zidane for is really a 'do you think the glass is half empty/half full?' sort of question. Real football fans will remember his sparkling genius, while others are always ready to have a go at someone, point the finger, will look at the negative aspect.

I suppose I should have used smiley faces...

[Flea]

Moment of madness? - you cant use that as an excuse - this is the World Cup Final - the biggest stage of all, he is supposed to be a hero and a legend of the game aswell as a person to look up to. Just look at the amount of young people in France who wear his name on the back of their shirts and just think of the supporter who payed 500euro to see the match - he is a total disgrace and imo has completley tarnished his career. Imo it doesnt matter what the Italian said what he did can't be excused
This post would win best barstooler post if there was such a competition. Yes it was a moment of madness, it was hardly a calculated act he practiced and thought about before the game. It doesnt excuse it, but was spur of the moment madness. He is human after all and is renown for his bad temper. He has a history of lashing out, but in 98 it was in the group stages (a stamp on a saudi player). He is and always will be a legend of the game. I will always look up to him and other tragic football heroes for their football abilities, Best, Zidane, Maradonna, Garincha. At least he isnt like Pele, selling his national league down the toilet. In a way, It is somewhat comforting to know that even the greats, have faults.Zidane messed up, so what? Im sure he doesnt need anyone to tell him hes messed up right now. Nodoby can condone it but can in time forget it.

The comment about the "oh what about the young people watching" is hilarious. I cant help but see this line finding its way into Ned Flanders' script in some new Simpsons episode in the near future. Such incidents happen in every sport particularly our own games, and rugby. Its part of the game, and always will be. If its any consolation, I think it was past the watershed anyways, with the extra time and all. And as for the nobodys paying 500e.Well I can assure you, a player of Zidanes stature doesnt give a monkeys about joe soap losing a bit of cash. Im sure anyone who was at the final certainly was not from the background that Zizou was raised in France.

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.

Zidane is a football legend. The best of the last twenty years. He certainly went out with a bang.. He will be remembered for the 98 genius and 2006 mistake. Any real football fan will be able to look beyond the narrow mindedness of this one incident and acknowledge all his career points(ups and downs) collectively. Period.

[Risteard]

Think i'll remember Zidane a lot more for his two goals in '98 and Hampden Park than for the incident. France may have lost anyway tonight but wouldn't be far-fetched to say he ensured it, being their best peno-taker and all.
Shame.