A majority of French people have forgiven France captain Zinedine Zidane for head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in Sunday's World Cup final, a poll published in the le Parisien newspaper showed on Tuesday.
Of the 802 people polled, 61 percent said they forgave Zidane for the act of fury, which earned him a red card in the second half of extra time when the match was, tied 1-1. Italy went on to win on penalties.
However 27 percent said they did not forgive him.
Asked whether they understood Zidane's reaction to apparent provocation by Materazzi, 52 percent of those polled said they did, while 32 percent said they did not.
Paris-based anti-racism group SOS Racisme said on Monday Materazzi apparently called Zidane a 'dirty terrorist,' citing 'several very well informed sources from the world of football.'
Materazzi denied the report but did not say what he told the 34-year-old who has said on Sunday's match would be his last.
Zidane has not explained his actions publicly. French television said he would talk about the incident 'in the coming days.'
{{/usCountry}}Zidane has not explained his actions publicly. French television said he would talk about the incident 'in the coming days.'
{{/usCountry}}Pollster CSA carried out the poll on Monday.