ZIDANE --A SCANDAL IN THE MAKING
Before the Sunday morning worship service at church, we normally have a one hour session of Bible Study. During last Sunday’s session - the topic for discussion was 'Growing through temptation' – one point my Pastor made was, “We face circumstances every day that tempt us to do contrary to what the Bible implores us to do – which is to show love,patience, gentleness,long-suffering, e.t.c.”
How I wish that the French Soccer Star, Zinedine Zidane had been in attendance (with his interpreter). Unfortunately, he was many miles away; and he probably wasn’t in the mood to listen to sermons, as his mind was obviously focused on the final match of the month- long FIFA World Cup soccer championships, in which he was expected to play a major role. Well, as it turned out, Mr. Zidane did play more than one major role. The events surrounding this case have been well documented, but they still bear restating here.
Zinedine Zidane had been voted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the entire tournament by a panel of experts constituted by FIFA, the voting having been taken before the final match. On the night, both teams, Italy and France, played out a 1 – 1 draw at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, and went into 30 minutes of added time (Extra Time). Significantly, Zidane had scored the game’s opening goal from a penalty kick in the first half while Italian defender, Marco Materazzi, had scored the equalizing goal. About two – thirds of the way into extra time, Zidane and Materazzi got into a scuffle that ended with Zidane knocking the Italian down with a head – butt to the chest. Zidane was immediately ejected from the game.
It’s difficult to understand how Zidane could have acted like that on such a big stage, with hundreds of millions of people watching. My initial reaction was that of shock, but after reflecting on the matter for some time, my verdict is that there were more guilty parties than just Mr. Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane is too experienced in these matters to simply flare up at such a stage, at such a crucial time, without some serious provocation. Materazzi must have uttered some unprintable words, and I strongly believe that his action was a result of a grand plan that involves other parties. FIFA has got it right in deciding to investigate. Another Italo-type scandal smells!
How I wish that the French Soccer Star, Zinedine Zidane had been in attendance (with his interpreter). Unfortunately, he was many miles away; and he probably wasn’t in the mood to listen to sermons, as his mind was obviously focused on the final match of the month- long FIFA World Cup soccer championships, in which he was expected to play a major role. Well, as it turned out, Mr. Zidane did play more than one major role. The events surrounding this case have been well documented, but they still bear restating here.
Zinedine Zidane had been voted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the entire tournament by a panel of experts constituted by FIFA, the voting having been taken before the final match. On the night, both teams, Italy and France, played out a 1 – 1 draw at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, and went into 30 minutes of added time (Extra Time). Significantly, Zidane had scored the game’s opening goal from a penalty kick in the first half while Italian defender, Marco Materazzi, had scored the equalizing goal. About two – thirds of the way into extra time, Zidane and Materazzi got into a scuffle that ended with Zidane knocking the Italian down with a head – butt to the chest. Zidane was immediately ejected from the game.
It’s difficult to understand how Zidane could have acted like that on such a big stage, with hundreds of millions of people watching. My initial reaction was that of shock, but after reflecting on the matter for some time, my verdict is that there were more guilty parties than just Mr. Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane is too experienced in these matters to simply flare up at such a stage, at such a crucial time, without some serious provocation. Materazzi must have uttered some unprintable words, and I strongly believe that his action was a result of a grand plan that involves other parties. FIFA has got it right in deciding to investigate. Another Italo-type scandal smells!
posted by Emman at 12:37 PM
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