[Archived] Zidane And Materazzi

[Drakefyre]

I've read that Zidane has been given a "three match ban" which he will serve by doing three days of community service, while Materazzi has been banned for two Euro Qualifiers.

Personally, I think this is absolutely ludicrous - Zidane and Materazzi both agreed that his comments were defamatory but not racist, and to be given 2/3 of the suspension for saying something is absurd. The only reason this became an issue was so Zidane could go out with part of the blame shifted. There was no excuse for the headbutt, and a "three match ban" is a laugh - De Rossi got 4 WC games for a non-malicious elbow.

[BuckyRover]

Non-malicious!?!?!

Hahahahahahaha

[Drakefyre]

If McBride believes it wasn't malicious, I'll believe it wasn't malicious.

[BuckyRover]

I would be surprised if McBride can remember anything after that incident.

[Drakefyre]

He has titanium plates in his head - he said he didn't even feel it.

[Oklahoma]

FIFA once again being ridiculous.

[Eddie]

Crazy, but you knew it was going to happen.

[Drakefyre]

Basically what I think: http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup...sto929153.shtml

[tchocky]

It's a big joke. Pretty much a describing word for Zidanes exit from the football world too. A sad joke that isnt even remotely funny.

[Eddie]

Basically what I think: http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup...sto929153.shtml

That is a very good article.

[Ninjathunder]

try this. Use your mouse to control and left click.

Edited July 20, 2006 by Tooting Rover

[USRoverME]

As another comparison, the Zidane Headbutt then is also comparable to Pablo Mastroeni's tackle int aht same USA-Italy match.

Amazing...

[Radagast]

Basically what I think: http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup...sto929153.shtml

By punishing Materazzi for his provocation, FIFA partially legitimised Zidane's actions in the World Cup final.

This bit in particular rings very true. I can't believe that in some quarters Zidane is being painted as the victim in this.

A two match ban for insulting language? What a farce.

[Drakefyre]

Especially when it didn't matter for when Totti spat on the Dane at Euro 2004.

[USRoverME]

Just an intersteing re-hash of this.... Saw a new article, where he admits exactly what he said....

Link

[tcj_jones]

Domenech's response at the end is very strange.