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?
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.
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.
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
I want to like soccer, but this is touchy, feely BS.
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 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