Italy defender denies making ‘terrorist’ jibe

ITALY defender Marco Materazzi has strenuously denied reports that he called Zinedine Zidane a ‘dirty terrorist’.

The 32-year-old was responding to suggestions made by the Paris-based anti-racism group SOS Racism that he apparently used the phrase seconds before the France captain head-butted Materazzi in the chest in extra time.

Zidane was sent off as a result of his actions before the Azzurri went on to defeat Les Bleus 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 extra-time draw in Sunday’s World Cup final in Berlin.