[The Old Hoosier]

It was really a cheap shot.

Still, I wonder what Materazzi said that made him suddenly change his tone?

[raybbr]

Still, I wonder what Materazzi said that made him suddenly change his tone?

He called him a Frenchman?????

[Reaganesque]

Still, I wonder what Materazzi said that made him suddenly change his tone?

Italian wine is better than French wine?

[clintonh8r]

Still, I wonder what Materazzi said that made him suddenly change his tone?

Maybe he called him a dirty name....like, "French muslim."

[CaraM]

Still, I wonder what Materazzi said that made him suddenly change his tone?

Could Zidane have gotten angry because Materazzi had reached around his body from behind and put his hand on his chest? Was that a 'normal' gesture in soccer?

[Trajan88]

My first thought was that maybe Z.Z. wanted to get sent off (was there a confirmation of his injury from earlier in the match... separated shoulder or some-such)?

Anyway, there are more honorable ways to be sent off to save face if a player is in too much pain to continue.

[Kenny Bunk]

Apparently, Materazzi called him a "terrorist," and grabbed him playfully. (I hope) It was all on the tape.

Love to know if the Eyetie was actually trying to draw a foul from the guy. One refreshing factoid: most of the Eyetie team seemed to be actual honest-to-God Eyeties, whereas I would be checking ID on the entire "French," squad, all of whom looked like they had their first bowl of bouillabaise last week, if ever.

Now that this craziness is over, we'll have more time for Jerry Springer re-runs.