I remembered his cowardly and completely unacceptable head butt to the chest of Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup, I remembered his cowardly and completely unacceptable justification of the move on French national television following the Cup, and I remembered in general why he represents everything that is wrong with sports.
I spend most of my space in this column talking about positive things and the virtues of sport – especially when played by children in our community’s great associations from hockey to gymnastics and everything in between.
But when an embarrassment like Zidane shows his face, my blood begins to boil and there’s nothing I can do but to feel terrible about the poor example he sets for children and athletes all over the world.
I’ll take you back to my remarks following the ’06 World Cup:
"Zidane not only head butted a man in the chest because he was taunted, similar to what a six-year-old would do for having his Tonka truck taken away, but he then went on French national television and tried to justify himself in the most cowardly of fashions.
He apologized to the children of the world like a big hero, but went on to justify his actions, explaining why he did it, as if that matters.
The example he set was that if you’re pissed off enough, you can do whatever you want. The example FIFA set by also suspending Materazzi was that if you piss someone off and they assault you with a potentially heart-stopping head butt to the chest, you’re equally as guilty as your attacker.
I’ve had worse things said to me than ‘yo momma’s a #@$%’ in my recreational hockey league, but I’m man enough not to head butt my opponents in the chest.
Zidane pulled a weak-minded, low-class move on the biggest sports stage in the world outside of the Olympics and has essentially gotten away with it.
If this guy is the biggest soccer star on the planet, well, we can all do with a little less soccer."
The part that guiled me at the time was not that he made a mistake on the field – yes, I think the move was low, but very few things are unforgivable.
Had he gotten on television and simply apologized and left it at that, I’d have no qualms with the man today. Look at Todd Bertuzzi – he’s no hero, but he did nothing but apologize for nearly crippling Steve Moore a few years back.
The move itself may have been classless, but Bertuzzi didn’t pretend it was OK because Moore had insulted his sister or something like that.
So all these years later, here’s Zidane not only prancing around the planet like the world’s gift to sports and society, but he actually has the gall to make a presentation to a group of youths in Montreal North – one of the toughest neighbourhoods in the city.
Over the past few years there have been riots and killings, followed by riots and killings in that part of town, and they get the ultimate example of what not to do to give a speech to the area’s children?
This isn’t a recovering addict giving a speech on the potential dangers of drug use – no, this is like Roger Clemens giving a speech on philandering or Dan Quayle judging a spelling bee.
Not that I think Zinedine Zidane is every going to read this column, but just in case… Mr. Zidane, I’m glad you know how to kick a ball real good – but all things considered, I’d prefer you stay the hell out of my city until you grow up and take responsibility for your actions.
We all make mistakes, but if you don’t learn from them and admit when you’re wrong, then what kind of an example can you ever hope to be?
You can always reach me at noahsidel@gmail.com.
Zidane is as low as they come in sports
Zidane is as low as they come in sports
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- Published on July 8th, 2009
- Published on Febuary 6th, 2010
- Noah Sidel
Zinedine Zidane’s appearance in Montreal for a friendly soccer game late last month brought back some memories and emotions for me.
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Comments
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- James Roberts
- - February 17th, 2010 at 14:18:05
Mr Sidel I'm left shaking my head after reading your article. Your statement "I'd prefer you stay the hell out of my city....." is as unacceptable as Zidane's headbutt. I do not condone Zidane's actions in his final game as a professional or national player nor do I condemn him either. He has given more to the sport, charities and children than you ever will or hope to. Be professional yourself and research his decade plus career at the pinnacle of soccer's elite before passing jusgement on an instant in 1 match.
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- Dan
- - February 17th, 2010 at 14:18:04
I don't think this article is accurate. The man is an ambassador for the UN and regularly holds charity events to raise money for the children of Africa. Zidane is merely trying to demonstrate to poor children that there are better ways than violence. This is contradictory I know given his behaviour in the 2006 final, but at least commend his efforts. Plus he was arguably the greatest exponent of football we have seen along with Maradona and Pele. To say he is the lowest of the low is a terrible exaggeration.
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- James Roberts
- - February 10th, 2010 at 12:55:35
Mr Sidel I'm left shaking my head after reading your article. Your statement "I'd prefer you stay the hell out of my city....." is as unacceptable as Zidane's headbutt. I do not condone Zidane's actions in his final game as a professional or national player nor do I condemn him either. He has given more to the sport, charities and children than you ever will or hope to. Be professional yourself and research his decade plus career at the pinnacle of soccer's elite before passing jusgement on an instant in 1 match.
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- Dan
- - February 10th, 2010 at 12:55:34
I don't think this article is accurate. The man is an ambassador for the UN and regularly holds charity events to raise money for the children of Africa. Zidane is merely trying to demonstrate to poor children that there are better ways than violence. This is contradictory I know given his behaviour in the 2006 final, but at least commend his efforts. Plus he was arguably the greatest exponent of football we have seen along with Maradona and Pele. To say he is the lowest of the low is a terrible exaggeration.
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- Noah Sidel
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:32
Thank you all for your comments - I think your opinions are perfectly fair. If you read the column again, you'll see that my issue with him is that he never manned up for what he did in the World Cup. I am by no means saying he hasn't done good since or didn't before - but he committed one particulary large act that he should have apologized for. I'm glad you all find him to be an inspiration for his other actions. If you'd like to discuss this further, feel free to comment back... But no, I won't be jumping off any cliffs. And, Frank, I'll make a point of saying hi to my mother for you. Noah
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- A Montrealer
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:31
Actually It's not the one thing that he did that some of us don't like, it's the one thing that he DIDN'T do! That would be to apologize period. Why is it so hard for someone to say I messed up, I'm sorry. No excuses, I just lost my head....pardon the pun. And to Mia, don't you think you are doing exactly the same thing that you accuse Mr. Sidel of? You say that all Montreal's West Island (and I'm 99.9% sure you don't even know what that term means) are scary, inbred, mullet haired hillbillies yet you haven't done any research on the area. You are obviously no better than the writer. If soccer creates such irrational people I better look at taking my children out of it now before it's too late.
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- A Montrealer
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:31
All you people that criticize the column really do miss the writer's point. I think that people didn't like the fact that one of their "hero's" was trashed. Well I say to bad for them. They should grow up and realize that a serious AND selfish mistake was made by Zidane. He did not act like a man during the incident nor afterward. I do believe that he paid a great price for it, the chance at a World Cup Championship for him, his teammates, his countrymen and his fans all over the world. Act like a man Zidane, you still have time to come out and say "After thinking long (almost three years), I have come to the realization that I acted in a selfish and childish way and for that I am sorry." There Z, I even wrote it up for you. Feel free to copy it and post it. I'm glad that my children did not attend
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- Noah Sidel
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:29
Wow, to tell you all the truth, I'm a little surprised/happy to get all these comments. The goal of a column like this is not to anger people, but to make people think... Which was clearly accomplished - not by those who are just calling me names, but by the others who are both defending and attacking my point. The truth is that you're all correct because nothing is black and white. This column is about my opinion that I feel he is a hypocrite for not apologizing for the major act that will forever define his soccer career. I am not saying Zinedine Zidane is the worst person ever to live - and let's remember that headlines are a marketing tool designed simply to make people read the story. All I'm saying is that good people do make mistakes - but the measure of a man is his ability to own up to his mistakes and not make excuses. Nobody is defending Materazzi - frankly, I could care less about him in the context of this issue - it's not important. As I said in the column, being called names isn't reason enough to hit someone... let alone head butt them in the chest! What would you all think of Zidane if Materrazi's heart had stopped? He may or may not be a jerk - I honestly dont know - but there are ways men settle their differences, and then there's what Zidane did. Good for him for the good deeds he has done, but until he apologizes straight up without justifying his act, in my eyes, he is not doing right by anyone. But all that said - I'm just one little columnist for a website in Canada. I have no ego complex, but my job is to write my opinion and I did it. It's perfectly OK if you like it or dislike it - that's part of being a journalist. Thank you everyone for your comments - I find most of them insightful and I appreciate the fact that you care enough to make them. Noah Sidel noahsidel@gmail.com
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- Joe
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:29
I agree, keep that trash out of our city! And to all you Euro's commenting on this article, it's a bloody opinion, reserve your lady drama for the pitch.
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- Noah Sidel
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:28
Mia, I really appreciate your passion - but I think you're completely missing the point. This has nothing to do with me - you're right, I'm "nobody" in the grand scheme of things. The point was that I simply disagree with the fact that he has apologized - but with a justification. A true apology is "I'm sorry for what I did." Point final. I'm glad he inspires people - I think that's fantastic. But surely I'm allowed to disagree, no? Isn't that the point of living in a free world? Furthermore, my knowledge of soccer isn't relevant in this case - this was not a column on soccer. This was a column about what I think is a bad choice, that's all. And furthermore, I'm actually pretty sure there isn't a single trailer park on the entire island of Montreal... Maybe you want to think about discussing the issue instead of volleying insults. It's perfectly fair to disagree with me, but why don't you try doing it as an adult? Thanks! Noah
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- Mel
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:28
Umm...he did apologize the next day...I love biased people that don't research the whole story...they make my day...I especially love Materazzi, KING OF FAKING INJURIES FROM OTHER PLAYERS TO GET PENALTY SHOTS...to cheat his way to get ahead of the game, and even though I know this is an opinion column, even opinions should be examined to its fullest...Mr.Sidel showed only an emotional one sided opinion and is an embarassment to Journalism, which is probably why he is only writing for this pathetic paper. One should not comment on something they know nothing about. Mr. Sidel stick to Canadian football and hockey, European Football is not your thing. Also please remember that Socratese once said that ,"the unexamined life is not worth living" AND QUITE FRANKLY YOUR ARTICLE WAS REALLY NOT WORTH READING.
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- Noah Sidel
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:23
Caped Crusader, First I would like to thank you for your impassioned response - somewhere in there, you did indeed make a few good points. You're missing a key element here, however... This is not an "article" this is an OPINION COLUMN. I have not presented anything in this column as straight-up fact, because, indeed it is my opinion, and nothing more. I do not, however, place any creedence in the opinions given by someone who is afraid to use his or her own name. I put my name and reputation on the line when I write a column, and I don't hide behind cute pseudonyms like "Caped Crusader"... That said, as I mentioned, somehwere in that argument, you did make a a few relatively interesting points, which I will ponder for future columns. To Boudjelti: I don't think we censor anything, so perhaps there was some sort of technical error (unless you wrote something racist, etc)? Please feel free to re-post. To Anthony: Again, your comments are fair - but this is an OPINION column, and my opinion is that he still has not manned up to his actions and as such I don't feel he is the role model I want speaking to kids in my city. If you disagree, that's perfectly within your right. But I'm not being selfish by giving my opinion... That's my right as a member of a free society and I will continue to do so as long as I have that right. Thanks again everyone! Noah
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- M
- - February 10th, 2010 at 11:46:20
How is it possible in the year 2009 that a journalist can write an article and the comments posted are that he must live in his mother's basement, he's a loser and should jump off a cliff. I was under the impression that this paper was read by adults, not school children. Of course since it's clearly school aged children or at least the maturity level of said children reading the article, once must not lend anymore credit to the coments/insults than if they had said na nanny poo poo. However, if as an adult you challenge the journalist's opinons and site examples as to what it is that you feel he has misrepresented...I would enjoy reading that dialogue. As far as Zidane is concerned, I watched that game a few years ago after just having gotten into soccer and was disgusted by his behaviour and thought he acted like a spolied child. The fact that he tried to excuse his behaviour by saying he was insulted is lame...man up and admit you were wrong but don't try to pawn off your behaviour as justifiable because you were insulted. Again..not school aged children. If Mr. Zidane has gone back out into the workd now and contributed to charities and done some good with his fame then that work is to be commended but someone who goes out of his way to injur another person is not someone I would want as a role model for my kids.
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- Marion
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:18
The only thing I'm going to say: it surprises me again and again what people who have no idea about the meaning of Zidane think about him. and that simply because of one thing he did. I think it would help a lot if someone would objectively research the entire incident for once. I don't say Zidane is a saint or that he should have done it. (he doesn't even think so himself) but I don't think it would be too difficult for anyone to understand him if they simply stepped from their pedestrals. We Europeans and also pretty much the rest of the world that isn't North America have a reason to love this guy. We aren't all silly people who worship a bad man. Think about that. ;)
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- Silvio Marino
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:17
I totally agree with your article and wish that more reporters had the courage to speak up. Congratulations on an article well written.
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- Al
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:17
this author muct be ill 1) zidane is THE GREATEST EVER FOOTBALL PLAYER 2) all the kids in france look up to zidane, he brought hope to the kids in france 3) it is becuase of zidane, that all french people celbrated togheter, black and white hugged each other in the streeets of 1998 when zidane won france the world cup 4) he came to your town for a charity match, thats the kind of person zidane is, he is caring and he is the best your views are just stupid!
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- Noel
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:15
WHO ARE YOU MR Noah Sidel? NOBODY If Zidane was in your town for a CHARITY EVENT to try and help the less fortunates then YOU ought to be ASHAMED of yourself - for writing such article about this LEGEND who is trying to make the world a better place EVEN THOUGH HE MADE A BIG MISTAKE IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST OF GAME OF HIS CAREER.... WOW! What are you doing to help others - you should be supporting his effort not bashing on his good intentions!!!! THIS IS STUPID...
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- Jack Miskiewicz
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:14
Hello sir, I think you lack knowledge of what Zidane represents; what the political climate is like in France, Islam in Europe, the depth of football. I am not trying to insult you, in fact you probably represent a common view from a North American perspective.
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- Anthony
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:12
So apparently this journalist's opinion are the same as everyone else on quebec? Zidane is a legend and a hero to to many football fans. He is admired by many kids, especially among french speaking people. An idol.He inspires many young kids into pursueing their football dream. So he should stay away from montreal because of of your personal hatred towards him? Aren't you abit selfish?
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- Moe
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:12
You have no knowledge of soccer at all. Zidane is one of the best players and is a great person, regardless of what your sorry ass think of him. He's admired by millions around the world. What he has done in the world cup finals just showed the person he is... A man of honor. I would have done exactly the same thing as there are more important things in life than soccer. Family always comes first and when someone crosses the line and calls your mother names, then you must stand up for what is important to you. You dont understand. football (not soccer) is a religion... Now you can go and write something about hockey... is it even a sport? and for God's sake stop copying the Americans. Come up with your own thing next time. Bloody hell Canadian.
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- Mia
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:11
I scarcely know where to begin. You are an idiot and a complete tool and don't know what the hell you are talking about. Stick to what you know whatever that might be - you are the real embarrassment and as low as they come in journalism. Montreal's West Island must be full of scary, inbred, mullet haired hillbillies if you're the voice of the island. WTF do you know about Zidane, his life or his career? do you EVEN know anything about M. Materazzi - the scumbag that he headbutted? ZIDANE HAS APOLOGIZED PROFUSELY FOR THIS INCIDENT NUMEROUS TIMES ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN THE YEARS SINCE THIS HAPPENED- he has expressed deep regret and sorrow over how his career ended! He makes countless appearances all over the world at events involving children and he has even said this to them - to learn from his mistakes!!! He has addressed it in media interviews and it is noted by those conducting the interviews or writing the articles that he is genuinely anguished and has never really forgiven himself over this. He hasn't been hiding under a rock the past 3 years- do you not think that he has been asked about his time and time again?? and he has had to deal with this time and time again. And he has apologized and expressed real regret - not some disingenous, scripted mea culpa - but real regret and real sorrow - time and time again. IF you even bothered to check something out before you wrote about it you would have seen this. Materazzi(the most hated player in Italy) on the other hand has continued to make trouble for other players and cash in on this incident with a NIKE commercial and couple of books and has made a mint from all this - he has not suffered one bit. Why don't you admit that all you know about Zidane is that incident? and yet, here you are, sounding like an even dumber Bill O'Reilly wagging your fingerat someone you know nothing about - forget the facts, who cares, pretend you have the moral high ground when in fact, to those of us - i.e. the rest of the world - you sound like a clueless, sanctimonious jerk. So what if you're not on the welcoming committee for West island?? Zidane doesn't need you or your stupid island. The many heads of State and Nobel Prize winners that invite Zidane to their countries and roll out the red carpet for him - and continue to do so - know the truth and they know what Zidane means to people....which is a lot more than someone like you will even give him credit for.
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- Yawar
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:11
Sorry to say but Mr. you are an embarrassment to journalist. I won't even try to tell you who zidane is. you are not worth it.
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- remy
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:09
Stop writing about sports!! ur an embarrassment to writing! m sure ur life is as big as a waste as ur writing is! quit writing for good!
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- Ali
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:05
Please tell me mr. noah sidel do you know anything about soccer?? I live in the U.S. and i have watched zidane ever since he started out his career with Juventus ( if u know anything about soccer, would u please tell me what country and city Juventus play in) i then saw him score two goals to win a world cup with france in 1998 against brazil, i watched him be declared fifa player of the year a record three times, move on to real madrid and win many titles, and win a european cup with france. Zidane lived on the streets my friend, he grew up in the slums of france buddy and became a star. He grew up poor and became very successfull. I will admit his headbutt was a stupid and intolerable act but that doesnt mean u base one action on his whole career, a legendary career. Zinedine Zidane is a legend and means so much to soccer and forever has a place in the history of soccer. I bet u dont even watch the sport and u think ur a know it all about soccer. I bet u didnt even know who zidane was before the headbutt. dont critisize anybody unless u really know them and know about them The truth is u know nothing about zidane. Zidane= LEGEND Noah Sidel= DUMBASS CANADIAN
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- Shantanu
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:05
While some of the comments here are going overboard in criticizing the author,the fact of the matter that this article is very biased and reeks of shoddy journalism. I don't about you Noah, but I am yet to come across a person who is perfect, and to claim that zidane is as low as they come in sports just cos he couldn't control his temper is taking things way too far.If judging a guy by his fallacies alone is the criteria then there would be no role models.You might remember maradona as cocaine taking,brawl making footballer,but I tend to remember as the genius who could take players twice his size and leave them in dust.Same goes for cryuff etc. It is a shame that you have not been able to look past his one weakness,his flashes of temper,admittedly sometimes violent.If you could only see that in this age when players depend upon pace,he was the best player of his generation,with his weapons being technique intelligence and that unreal close control.I today see players being in media touting themselves to the best,he was a player who shunned the attention,got on with his job and never ever talked himself up but gave credit to teammates.Youtalk about his voilent outburst but fail to see that he seldo talks back to the ref or to the other players I saw a video on zidane,it quoted a roman philospher:"There is no great genius without some touch of madness"
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- Anonymous
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:03
I think you should grow up. THe funny thing is Zidane will be remembered but YOU won't. I sure as hell think hes setting more of an example to the children of the world than you are. Kthnxbai.
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- Marion
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:03
Oh and I just wanted to say sorry to all the Mexicans. I know most of you love Mr. Zidane also. So anyway: It's only the US and parts of Canada who think that way about Zidane. Funnily enough they are the people who don't know much about him, while the rest of the world does. What does this tell you?
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- Alisdar
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:02
Too much attention being given to the article of a cheap shot journalist. The article is poorly researched, distorted in its interpretation of facts and concepts (like what constitutes an apology). And vitrolic, insulting its language - "stay the hell out of my city" - much more so than a head butt. Noah, it's not your city, it's the city of many people and from the welcome Zidane got, I think they prefer him to you.
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- Frank
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:15:00
Your sir are just as pathetic as your article. That's why you will always be stuck in your mother's basement criticizing other individuals who have achieved far more than you could ever dream of.
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- Kais Abawi
- - February 8th, 2010 at 11:14:54
Shut your trap...your as low as they come in journalistic integrety. Good one 2 years after the fact it happened. why dont you talk about the millions he donates to Charity, or the crap Marco pulls every game. Dont write a crappy ass opion column cause your terrible paper ran out of stories to write. Here is a good story to talk write about: How Zidane inspires a nation after his amazing performance in the world cup. Then follow it up with jumping off a cliff!
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