One thing is for sure: it did not come from a "Gallic Reservoir" as Gerbil put it.
It is well known that Zinedine Zidane is of Algerian origins while born in France. So, no "gallicness" there.
It is not my intention to continue a polemic that serves noone, but I must disapprove of absurd ethnocentric statements that reinforce the view that, somehow, what Zidane did was justifiable and even commendable.
It would behoove Gerbil, however biased he maybe, to show respect and remember the name of the player who was victimized by Zidane's mindless act of aggression.
His name is MARCO MATERAZZI, and let noone forget that, whatever your personal feelings about him, he is a WORLD CHAMPION who eclipsed whatever Zidane may have tried to do throughout the game, including the PK at the 7th minute born of a bad call by the referee.
As to wherever the headbutt came from, my guess is that it must have been frustration, pain, obvious lack of education, and probably just plain arrogance.
To those who support this gesture, I say, you are dead wrong just as Zidane was. Zidane should never have been given the golden ball and should have been punished beyond the three game suspension. This is no judgement of Zidane as a player, I don't think anybody feels that Zidane is not one of the greatest players ever. The issue is simply what he did in the final against an unaware victim that earned him a red card.
If it isn't your inclination to respect Italy, and feel that somehow, Zidane, did the right thing and "showed that Italian" , I have only the utmost contempt for you.
You would prove to be better human beings than you have shown to be by keeping your own counsel, and with it, your dignity, assuming that you comprehend the concept.
If you desire respect, then you must show that you are able to show it.
This is it. Love Zidane all you want, but know that, in supporting what he did, you show lack of common sense and disrespect for Italy. If you are comfortable with that, then you must also accept my unconditional condemnation. It's high time you grew up and learned to accept the consequences of your actions!
