The Scoff, the Insult and the Headbutt
None of it’s good. It’s all bad and ugly. Zidane headbutted Materazzi (see video if they are not removed), after they exchanged words and gestures.
How often have you wanted to do this to MM?
It was a shamefull spectacle in the ending minutes of the world cup final. And now expert lip readers, you, me, and Everymen try to guess what happened exactly. Materazzi admits an insult, but regards Zidane’s behaviour as offensive as well: “.. he turned to me, looked at me from top to bottom with utmost arrogance”.
Looking someone up and down is often seen as a form of sexual harrasment (here, here and here) if a man does it to a woman. I think it’s more likely Zidane was looking down his nose at Materazzi, a display of contempt. As in ‘the arrogant hot-blooded maestro looked down his nose at the barbaric uncultured wannabee’.
Update: When Zidane said “you can have my shirt later if you want it that bad” Materazzi replied “I’d rather have your sister”. That set Zidane off.
July 12th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Hi,
I’ve just discovered your blog and found it great. I’m a gesture researcher myself and got really interested in football gestures recently!
I will definitely come back!
July 13th, 2006 at 10:34 am
Update: Zidane explains his actions (BBC News transcription of TV channel Canal Plus interview)
July 21st, 2006 at 4:46 pm
Update: Zidane 3 - Materazzi 2 matches suspended. Fifa agrees it was all ugly.