Kottke has the scoop. [Update: Materazzi denies calling Zidane a terrorist.]
“Sledging,” as it’s called, is part of the game — verbal abuse from opponents. It happens in all sports where there are match-ups. The purpose, if there is one, is to rile your opponent sufficiently to take his or her mind off the game.
So, is Zidane the fool for letting words get to him? Or is he justified for reacting to slurs against his religion, his ethnicity and his mother?
And don’t miss Jason’s comment.
Well, at least they’re talking about soccer…
And to respond to the post, Zidane is a world-class athelete. He ought to know that the better way to deal with taunting is by outplaying the other team.