zidane is one of the greatest soccer players of all times. n dis is no way to punish him. the 06 world cup final was such that it was not italy vs france but italy vs zidane. when the only and major threat was removed by the cheats- italians, they were sure of winning the world cup. i have loved zizou, am lovin zizou and will forever love zizou. hats off to his skill. he will forever be remembered as ZIDANE THE GREAT!!!!!! rock on, zizou.

One incident of frustration does not negate a fine career.

It's sort of like the Robby Alomar spitting incident in baseball a few years back.

Regrettable, a moment lacking in self control, but not a pattern.

You dishonor this man by placing him on this list.  Shame on you--he was exhausted and frustrated.  Nope, no excuse for losing his cool, but I understand why he lost it.

I challenge any of you to withstand 90+ minutes of taunting, which Equippo d'Italia seem to have trained in more than in putting together an offensive game plan. 

To be quite frank, I was cheering when he headbutted Materazzi (and not because I wanted him to get sent off). Zidane is one of the greatest players of all time, and his skills and general high talent make up for any 'unsporting matters'.