What the hell did Materazzi say?
It was sad to watch the greatest player of the last decade leave the game like that - disappearing down the tunnel. But I have to say, my first response was: “how typically French.”
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Part of me thinks that what
Zidane did was very ‘honourably’ French.
Well that depends on what was said - but I get your point.
Well according to the ITV commentator the Italian “tweaked” Zidane’s nipple. What does that imply to you?
Hi Michael,
Maybe Zidane had a go back about the nipple “tweak”, and Materazzi replied, “well your wife never complained.”
Ouch!
“As a two bob note” ?
I think it was more than that.
From my (in)experience, having lived in Paris for some years, a Frenchman being called ‘bent’, even if he’s not, does not really cause that much offence.
Or am I on the wrong track ?
RWS,
Who me or Michael?
I would imagine it would have been about his family of Algerian/Arab? origins.
It’s either the worst ever end to a great career, or the best, can’t quote make up my mind. There was a sort of defiant genius about it all.
Perhaps the fact that he’s a Muslim is relevant? Frankly I don’t know but something certainly provoked him into taking drastic action.
Could be.
Let’s make one thing clear: anyone who knows anything about Italian football knows Materazzi is a real piece of work. He got banned for about 7-games for an episode in Serie A.
He was generally winding up a player in Italy, after the game the aggrieved player followed Materazzi down the tunnel to take issue with what was said, Materazzi simply turned around and punched the opposing player in the face.
He’s a… what’s that word? Oh, yeah, he’s a bastard.
I can’t help feeling there should be a new footballing rule. If the “bastard” said what he said to the referee he would be off the field. If the fans chanted what was probably said they would be arrested - so why can a player get away with it with another player.
The ref did exactly the right thing according to the present rules - he did not see it; consulted his officials, and then sent him off.
But what if, in the future, the referee was able to find out what was said as well - then either send both off, or decide to keep both on.
It would stop this ‘winding up’ of player to player, which may be no bad thing for the game. The players can’t get too ‘mouthy’ with the ref (neither can the supporters, especially if it racist), so players should be prevented in getting too ‘mouthy’ with opposing players. It’s gamesmanship, like time-wasting, and it should be eradicated from the game. Also, verbal abuse (especially racist in origin etc) is a form of assault - perhaps worse than physical assault.
If the motif of the World Cup was ‘STOP RACISM’ and Materazzi was being racist, then he should be punished serverely for bringing the whole World Cup into disrepute.
As far as I’m concerned, the Italians can keep their World Cup and stuff it up the posterior of a certain player, for all I care.
IF, and it’s a big if, Materazzi is guilty of severe racist abuse, then he has disgraced Italy and the world - and the final should be either re-played, or France given the trophy as a ‘punishment’ for Italy for what was said by one of their citizens.
Italian players have always generally showed they are the foulest soccer players on a field. Materazzi played his trick and had Zidane off, very conveniently given the scoring at that time.It doesn’t matter if Materazzi is a racist or not, he used the epithet that was likelier to incense Zidane. I have watched Zidane play on many occasions and he has always shown to be a soccer gentleman.
Matches are too often won by word rather than by playing.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/story/0,,1816934,00.html
“Matches are too often won by word rather than by playing”…Well, Jose, if that “word” has become the realpolitik of football, especially in the World Cup Finals, then perhaps that kind of gamesmanship should not be tolerated anymore…
Zidane awarded “The Golden Ball” for the best player of the World Cup.
And Matarazzi ?
My Translation.
http://www.rds.ca/coupedumonde/chroniques/208200.html
Cup of the world. Impact. Euro Zidane will speak in some days
Zinedine Zidane (Photo PC) Monday July 10, 2006 - LONDON (AFP) - Zinedine Zidane will explain “in some days” the reasons of his impulsive headbut in full chest of the Italian Marco Materazzi, in finale of the World-2006 of Italy-France soccer (1-1, 5 t.a.b. to 3), declared Monday his agent Alain Migliaccio to the BBC.
“Zinedine didn’t want to speak (of his gesture) but he will speak of it in some days”, assured M. Migliaccio.
Excluded in second period of the overtime Sunday, Zidane told his agent that “Materazzi had said something very serious but he didn’t say what” in Migliaccio.
“It is a man whom normally lets pass above him these things but, Sunday evening, something exploded some him”, pursued the agent of Zidane. He was very disappointed and sad. He didn’t want that.
Thanks Michael - we will wait for Zizou.
Phew! 14 comments. Proves that soccer has as much attention as, if I remember correctly, Rupert Murdoch.
I agree with you Symonds.
As Michael says, let’s wait for Zidane’s comments. I bet they will be clarifying.
Well, almost every front page of every English newspaper (broadsheets & tabloids) is making a meal out of this one - and quite right too.
It looks pretty clear what was said - relating to mothers, race, and sons of whores etc, and I was amused by Materazzi comment to the accusations : “Well, I didn’t call them terrorists”.
Materazzi can’t get away with this surely…
“I’ve known Marco for a long time, and I don’t think he is capable of provoking a player; he is a good boy.” (Claudio Vigorelli - Materazzi’s agent)
RWS,
Doesn’t really match the person who punched another player in the tunnel, does it?
Tyger, I suppose it all depends what you mean by “good”.
This whole issue has really made me think about the power of words - or one word - and the use of language to change people (&/or the world) for good or ill. I suppose I’m talking about linguistics, and the philosophy of language - which could get me on to Chomsky, Professor of Linguistics and Philosophy at MIT…but it won’t.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me” - except break your heart, provoke attack, create wars…
Materazzi was defended by his agent Vigorelli and his words have brought dishonour to both - and to their country.
President Jacques Chirac defended Zidane - and his words have honoured both - and their country :
“In such a hard and intense moment for you, I would like to express the whole nation’s affection and admiration for you.
“You are a virtuoso, a genius of football, and an exceptional human being. That is why France admires you.”
And so do I.
“I am not a cultured person” (Marco Materazzi)
Did Materazzi say (in Italian) : “You’re the son of a terrorist whore” ?
‘Ken Hackett, Head of Referees in England, said that if it can be proved that Materazzi racially abused the Frenchman, then Fifa should take retrospective action for “the good of the game” ‘ (Internet BBC News/News Front Page).
Couldn’t agree more.
Yes, Symonds, I am with you in this. Even take the cup off Italy. Punishment must be level with the fault.
It seems Zidane has not wanted to speak more than necessary. He has only said that Materazzi mentioned his mother and his sister in an insulting way and that if that happened again he would react similarly. He does not repent.
If I were FIFA - which thank God I am not - I would enact a rule that if any two or more footballers were involved in a brawl the kind of that we’re speaking about, all of them would be sent off until a decision should be taken. That would avoid recurrences. Although there are always ways to go round it, for instance have a bad player insult the best one in the rival side.
Soccer needs drastic rules. And referees have too much power in their hands.
I agree - the rules need to change. Verbal assault and provocation (eg taunts) need to be punished and eradicated from the game, as much as the response to them.