ZIDANE: SEND in the CLOWNS

France v Italy: World cup final: Berlin Olympic stadium
Sunday 9th July 2006:

To insult somebody's sister in the cut-throat, back-streets of Marseilles could easily lead to a flashing blade and gushing blood on the pavement. For in this place where smugglers and pirates still ply their ancient trades down on the city docks, family honour comes before all. Any slur can be answered in only one manner. Fearful retribution.

Therefore when Italian defender Marco Materazzi hit the turf in the 2006 World cup final after being felled by Marseille-born Zinidane Zidane with a brutal head butt to his chest, he got off lightly. Isn't it rich and ironic that a footballer praised to the heavens for a beautiful style should chose in his final match to deliver such a savage epitaph?

As the undignified scenes gloomily unfolded of Zidane being sent off for his act of madness and Materazzi lying apparently comatose, Germany 2006 was left with its undying image. Heading for retirement Zidane sadly vacated the stage, head down in disgrace. A lifetime work of artistry and grace now shelved to make way for this sordid, undeserved snapshot.

In his pomp Zinidane Zidane was bliss, a sight to behold. Wonderful poise on the ball, a balletic style with bewitching skills and a deadly eye for goal. Defenders would stand as if hypnotised. Zidane would lure in opponents as a fisherman teased fish with bait. His ability to escape close marking bordered on the miraculous as a sleight or switch of foot saw him whisk the ball clear.

Whether in Juventus black/white stripes, the legendary Real Madrid all-white or French 'Les Bleus', Zinidane Zidane, 'Zizou' enchanted and enthralled. Winning goals in both European and world cup finals proving this was a player born to perform on the grand stage. Without any doubt the best midfielder of his generation.

How tragic that after being handed a golden opportunity to leave the audience roaring for more and demanding encores 'Zizou' blew it at the last. Family honour may have been served but to what cost to his reputation and memory? Only those who loved farce would have laughed and mocked.

Imagine Frank Sinatra being heckled and forgetting the words during his last ever performance of 'My Way'? Then you begin to understand the sadness of football lovers forced to endure Zidane losing his head so late in a wonderful career, as he downed the foul-mouthed Materazzi. 'Send in the clowns' they roared with glee. 'why bother', came the reply.

'They are already here'.

John Ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com