No excuses for Zidane says Materazzi

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2006

ROME (AFP) — Marco Materazzi said Lilian Thuram should not make excuses for Zinedine Zidane's headbutt after the French defender described Italy's Materazzi as "an illness that should not exist."

France captain Zidane was sent off near the end of extra-time in the World Cup final, which Italy eventually won on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in Berlin on July 9.

Materazzi told ANSA news agency: "Thuram would have done better to point out that it was not the first time that Zidane has made certain errors, rather than make excuses for him at any price," presumably referring to the 12 red cards Zidane has received during his career.

Thuram had told Tuesday's edition of Les Inrockuptibles weekly publication that "a player like Materazzi is an illness which...