[TonyMontana]

Matrix and Zizou speak out Wednesday 12 July, 2006

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Both Marco Materazzi and Zinedine Zidane have given their side of the story leading up to the disgraceful head-butt in the World Cup Final.

Words were exchanged between the players before the Frenchman violently struck Materazzi in the chest. Lip-readers have been unable to clarify exactly what was said.


“I want to ask forgiveness from all the children who watched that. There was no excuse for it,” said Zidane this evening.


“I want to be open and honest about it because it was seen by two or three billion people watching on television and millions and millions of children were watching. I won’t repeat exactly what was said, but it was very personal and concerned my mother and sister."


However, Materazzi has also spoken out against claims his provocation was enough to warrant punishment from FIFA.


“I said nothing that had anything to do with racism, religion or politics,” the defender told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “I didn’t even mention his mother. I lost my mother at the age of 15 and to this day am still moved to tears talking about her.”


There were suggestions in the world’s media that Zidane was infuriated by an alleged comment because his mother is currently battling a serious illness.


“Naturally, I had no idea Zidane’s mother was in hospital. I wish them all the best and a speedy recovery. As for Zidane, he has always been my hero and I admire him a great deal.”


The Frenchman was sent off in extra time for that head-butt and could now be stripped of his Golden Ball award as Player of the Tournament. A FIFA investigation has begun into the incident.