Above : Themes for Violent Retribution
Materazzi Headbutt.
The Times, ‘Materazzi changes story as Fifa starts inquiry’, Matt Hughes, July 12:
“I did insult him, it’s true, but I categorically did not call him a terrorist,” Materazzi said. “I’m not cultured and I don’t even know what an Islamic terrorist is. I held his shirt for a few seconds only, then he turned round and spoke to me, sneering. He looked me up and down arrogantly and said, ‘If you really want my shirt, I’ll give it to you afterwards’. ”
Given his poor disciplinary record, which was once raised in the Italian parliament, Materazzi is not a naturally sympathetic character, although he appears determined to try to rehabilitate his reputation. The Inter Milan centre back was adamant that he had not insulted Zidane’s mother after lip-readers claimed that he called the Frenchman “the son of a terrorist whore”.
