Posted on 07/20/2006 7:15:36 AM PDT by cartan
ZURICH, Switzerland (AP)—Zinedine Zidane was banned by FIFA for three games Thursday for head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final.
Materazzi was suspended for two matches.
World soccer's governing body also fined Zidane $6,000 and Materazzi $4,000 after a disciplinary committee heard the former France captain's account of what led to the incident.
Because Zidane has retired, he agreed to do three days of community service with children as part of FIFA's humanitarian projects.
Zidane has said he attacked Materazzi because he insulted his mother and sister, while Materazzi denied insulting Zidane's mother.
“Both players stressed that Materazzi's comments had been defamatory but not of a racist nature,” FIFA said in a statement.
The players apologized to FIFA for “their inappropriate behavior and expressed their regret at the incident,” FIFA said.
Zidane was sent off for ramming Materazzi in the chest with his head during the final, played July 9 in Berlin.
Zidane, who had already submitted written testimony, spent about 90 minutes in a private hearing Thursday morning before a five-man FIFA committee. Materazzi appeared before the FIFA panel last week.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested Zidane, widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation, could be stripped of his Golden Ball award as the World Cup's best player.
In a French television appearance last week, Zidane apologized to children who watched the match, but said he didn't regret his actions because he was provoked by repeated harsh insults about his family.
Playing in extra time in his farewell game, Zidane and Materazzi exchanged words as the two walked up field. Zidane appeared to be distancing himself from the Italian, but then turned, lowered his bald head, and drove it into Materazzi's chest—knocking him to the ground.
Italy went on to win its fourth World Cup, 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 extra-time draw.
PING
So who made the original allegation that Materzazzi called Zidane "a dirty terrorist?" And even if he did, "dirty terrorist" isn't a racist comment.
Every time somebody does something like head-butt an opponent there will have to an investigation as to why they did it and both players will be punished. This sets a terrible precident. It's sports; if you can't take the trash talk either head-butt someone and take the punishment or go home.
I thought the final was Zidane's last game. How can he be suspended for three more? Is this like Barbra Streisand's "last tour"?
Oh, and regarding: "...could be stripped of his Golden Ball..."--Isn't that Lance Armstrong's secret to success?
So who made the original allegation that Materazzi called Zidane “a dirty terrorist?”Good question. Zidane certainly didn't. I suppose some journalist wanted to seem particularly concerned about racism and diversity issues...
I agree, appropriate for Zidane. But for Materzaai, I don't know. Materazzi is effectively being punished for trash talk, it seems to me. Will they now be policing for that? I imagine Zidane threw out his best during the match, but goes 'unpunished' because no one head-butted him in response. So will head butt's now be an effective or tempting way for someone to foul to get another player carded as well?
“Both players stressed that Materazzi's comments had been defamatory but not of a racist nature,” FIFA said in a statement. The players apologized to FIFA for “their inappropriate behavior and expressed their regret at the incident,” FIFA said.
I think they're afraid that the rumors of race, specifically the terrorist and Muslim hints, will inflame the Muzzies and so punishing Materazzi for his 'role' is the best way to appease - I think it's about appeasement as far as Materazzi is concerned.
"Oh, and regarding: "...could be stripped of his Golden Ball..."--Isn't that Lance Armstrong's secret to success?"
???
Politically correct punishment. Zidane headbutts a guy and is unremorseful about it afterwards. The other guy did what? Trash talked? And he gets almost the same punishment? Silly.
This sets a terrible precident. It's sports; if you can't take the trash talk either head-butt someone and take the punishment or go home.I disagree. This so-called “trash talk” shouldn't be accepted as civilized behavior and be punished just as strictly as violence.
read the article. since he's retired he's doing three days community service instead
The fine should have been much much higher for Zidane. $6K for someone who is worth $400 million is like 1 penny for me
Video clip of incident
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1i_l0OeeMc
Absolutely Priceless.
I want to like soccer, but this is touchy, feely BS.
And if you belive that you'll believe that Barbra Streisand's "Final Tour" is really her Final Tour. I've heard some rumblings that Zidane is open to coming here to play in the MLS.
Really? Trash talking is all of a sudden a banishable offense? The Italian Materazzi merely unmasked Zidane for the jerk he is. (Maybe that's what the two games are for?)
ML/NJ
I thought he was about 80 years old!
I think Matterazzi should get at least 2 games - after all his chest could have done real damage to Zidane's head. We are all lucky that Zidane didn't end up with a concussion or worse. /sarc
He's 34.
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