Why, Zidane? Why?
All we have been left with are questions: Why did Zidane do it? Why did he ruin what could have been a fairytale farewell? Why did he forget the millions watching worldwide? Why did he put his reputation -- as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen -- at stake?
All we have for answers, so far, have been unconfirmed whispers. That Materazzi made a racial slur (foxsports.com reports that the French players told reporters from back home about Materazzi's alleged slur). That the Italian made an allusion to a steroid abuse scandal that rocked Juventus when Zidane was a player with the Italian club (reported by Britain's The Independent).
World Cup 2006 Organising Committee chief and football legend Franz Beckenbauer was of the opinion that something must have been said to Zidane. 'He is actually a reserved and inoffensive person,' Beckenbauer said.
Photographs: Getty Images
Also See: Football Fiesta: The complete coverage