According to the Scotsman:
He seemed to have been provoked by a lengthy stream of abuse from Materazzi…
But quite clearly, from the video, whatever was said – and obviously something was said – was delivered low-key, and briefly. It was never “a lengthy stream of abuse”.
Presumably Zidane and Materazzi will keep quiet, at least for the moment, but you’ve got to wonder what on earth could prompt such a grotesque reaction. “You bald Algerian wanker!” would seem to lack that certain inflammatory quality that we’re looking for here. “Your mother was a whore“? “My niece plays better football than you“? “You should change your deodorant“? I’m at a loss.
Update: the Times’ Penny Wark must be wishing someone had pulled her respectful profile of Zidane that appeared this morning:
There can be no more dignified and proud exit from football than to make the World Cup your point of retirement….
[T]he motif of his mature playing years has been his control and self-discipline…
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