World Cup: It's Italy after Zidane headbutts France out of the game

Exactly, what a way to go off... I'm sure he has personal reasons for doing so, but to the outside world, it was just a complete loss of control and just gutters his name and career.

I swear to God, if if I was me, I would have done a lot worst than Zidane.

Deal with it after the game. When one is on the job, one is out of his own self interest, that's what defines professionalism.

If the rumors are true, that's unprofessional on Materazzi's part to say any demeaning thing on the field, but for someone of Zidane's status should shrug it off on the field, and raise hell afterwards. Using unprofessional means to deal with unprofessional behavior doesn't make it right. Too bad.

1) hello .. trash talking in sports .. I've never seen that before. No matter what, I'm sure there have been worse things said during those games. Let's also consider the different languages on each team, who knows if they could even understand each other.

2) If he did say that, is that the proper way for somebody to react.. to me it would only prove him right.

That was one of the most selfish DECISIONS I've ever seen in any sport. For the #1 player on that team in the biggest game, that's a disgrace.

A shove, an argument, a punch even I can understand.. but that was as vicious a head butt as you'll ever witness.

With all the post saying that it's "a terrible way to end a career" making it look like it's all Zidane's fault I disagree. We yet do not know what Materazzi said to Zidane. I hope Zidane only took action because it called for it.

True that Zidane could have ignored the what was said to him and deal with it outside the arena. But would anyone insulted not take immediate action especially with one comment mentioned rumours indicated his mother was insulted. It is a rumour to begin with so might not be true. Other rumours are that it was a racial slur which is more likely since Materazzi has a reputation; but in any case both are good examples to what I have to point out. If any one of insults were said in an grossly fashion no matter what stage any one would take action. I mean who wouldn't get upset when your parents are insulted, or at a racial slur. So there are certain things you brush of and wait till later but others can't wait.

Even if it wasn't the case Zidane's only human and his anger got the better of him, he's not only to blame. People should look at what sparked his anger the Italian player Materazzi undoubtedly said some thing awe full because people have a hard time believing Zidane would do this for fun. I'm surprised no one is raising eye brows at Materazzi. Zidane was walking away when Materazzi further said something, the finally spark that ignited the incident.

There are comments saying no such thing as fair play in the world cup, and that there have been worse things said during the game apart what was said to Zidane. When did this become the norm. I think FIFA is responsible for not looking into these issues as they press to show the world that it's all about fair play. I don't think FIFA hasn't done a good job if that's the case. If this was happening FIFA could have stepped in earlier and could have prevent what happened or made sure equal punishment made for the accused involved.

All in all he could have alternative said some thing back, or shove him in warning or punched him, but Zidane did it in style, a head butt. No one would have expected that. If your gona leave the stadium, leave it with a mark people will to remember the previous three methods are blane, the head butt the way to go.

Further note if he was slapped I still think Materazzi would fall over and make a big scene. After the head butt and Zidane sent off he wasn't in pain after his "display" he showed. He was back to normal. Amazing.

Apparently he headbutts ass... :)