Yes, Zidane's exit likely did not affect the outcome of the match. If Materazzi truly said that about Zidane's mother, he got what he deserved, as did Zidane. At least Zidane had the decency to accept his fate and not argue that he shouldn't have been ejected. I'm sure Materazzi and the other Italians were jawing at Zidane the entire game, and he chose his moment so he could minimize the impact on his team. He would've gotten away with it had the fourth FIFA official not seen the incident.
This is a real stretch, but imagine if Tiger Woods' playing partner had said something derogatory about Earl Woods. There would be one fewer pro golfer on the PGA tour today, and justifiably so. Of course, I'm assuming it would be impossible for one to swing a golf club with a golf ball permanently embedded in the back of one's skull. On a side note, I'm glad to see Tiger getting his mojo back.
I kind of like the fact that Zidane seems to be taking the "what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch" line about the incident.
Agree. The Italians were mugging him physically during the match so it went beyond mere words. I thought he accepted the decision stocially and like a man. It was his last game, at least as a member of the national team. It is too bad that his career had to end that way, but he did receive the honor as best player during the World Cup. He is a legend and over time, his reputation won't suffer.