THE QUESTION on everyone’s lips following Zidane’s outrageous final head-butt was “what did Marco Materazzi say to him?” Between Fifa disciplinary committee, interviews and professional lip reader interpretations, nothing definite has come to light.
However, the disgraced French captain has suggested, in an interview, that the Italian defender repeatedly taunted him with remarks about his parentage and the respective virtues of his mother and sister. Materazzi has denied the allegations, stating that he merely said that he would rather have the shirt of the French star’s wife than the player’s. Fifa have taken no action and, French president, Jacques Chirac, said that Zidane embodies the sporting values and honour of his country. So be it.
