Former Italy and Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has topped a poll in France to find the most hated footballer in the entire country, which can largely be put down to his involvement in Zinedine Zidane’s red card in the 2006 World Cup final.
The 42-year-old, who last played for Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, was at the heart of the infamous incident which saw Zidane headbutt the Italian during extra-time and was subsequently dismissed from the field in his final ever game as a player.
Italy would go onto to win the game via a penalty shootout but the score was overshadowed somewhat by the altercation, which to this very day still remains unclear as to what Materazzi did or said to Zidane to cause the current Real Madrid boss to lash out in such a violent manner.
Needless to say, the moment is likely to live on in football history for decades to come and although it took place a decade ago now, the French people clearly haven’t forgiven Materazzi judging by the poll conducted by France Football.
Here is the top 10:
Marco Materazzi
Samir Nasri
Mathieu Valbuena
Franck Ribery
Patrice Evra
Harald Schumacher
Thiago Motta
Fabrice Fiorese
Brandao
Emir Spahic
Materazzi is one of four foreigners to appear on the list. Brandao and Emir Spahic’s physical styles during their time in Ligue 1 constitutes a valid reason for their inclusion, whilst German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, whose vile act of violence towards French defender Patrick Battiston in the 1982 World Cup semi-final remains one of the most shocking things to ever happen on a football pitch.
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