Posted by By RICHARD JIDEAKA, Abuja on
Italy defender, Marco Materazzi insisted that French soccer star Zinedine Zidane deserved to be named best player at the World Cup...
Italy defender, Marco Materazzi insisted that French soccer star Zinedine Zidane deserved to be named best player at the World Cup, despite his actions in Sunday's final.
Zidane was sent off for head-butting Materazzi in the chest, after the two exchanged words in extra time. The game finished 1-1 and Italy won its fourth title in a penalty shootout.
FIFA is investigating Zidane and said yesterday it has opened disciplinary proceedings into Materazzi, for his conduct in World Cup final. World soccer's governing body said it started the investigation after receiving initial statements from Zidane.
Journalists still selected Zidane for the Golden Ball award, and Materazzi disagreed with FIFA president, Sepp Blatter's suggestion that the 34-year-old French captain could be stripped of the title.
"He won it for what he did on the pitch," Materazzi told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "He was the best."
Materazzi acknowledged he insulted Zidane, who he called his "hero," without giving specifics.
"I didn't say anything to him about racism, religion or politics," Materazzi said. "I didn't talk about his mother, either. I lost my mother when I was 15 and even now I still get emotional talking about her."
Speaking on Canal-Plus television Wednesday, Zidane didn't reveal what Materazzi said, but indicated the insults related to his mother and sister.
FIFA has summoned both players to a hearing of its disciplinary committee July 20.
Zidane, who retired after his 108th appearance for France, stressed that he felt no regret about his outburst "because that would mean (Materazzi) was right to say all that."
"My act is not forgivable," Zidane said. "But they must also punish the true guilty party, and the guilty party is the one who provokes."