''Why would you say something racist to one of three (?) whites in a team full of blacks?''
A few facts about Zidane:
-Zidane is Algerian (an Arab country)
-Zidane is Muslim
-Zidane's father was a cleaner
-Zidane has a child with a disability (not sure about this one but I've heard he has)
The comment could have been about any of those things (or perhaps something about his mother).
One of the few other white players in the team (Ribery) is also Muslim. So to answer your question, racial comments don't necessarily have to be about colour but can also be about race or religion.
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It's sad that Zidane did such a foolish act. Materazzi deserved it though, he is one of the dirtiest players in football. Zidane, on the other hand, is known for his ethical way of playing. Despite losing his temper on occasions, Zidane never fouls anybody nor does he fake injuries - whenever somebody fouls him, he doesn't roll around on the floor like the Italians and fake an injury but gets up right away and goes on his merry way which is one of the things I love about Zizou. It's so sad that his career ended this way but Zidane will hopefully be remembered for his outstanding skill and the beautiful way he plays. He is just such a pleasure to watch on the field - undoubtedly, the greatest player of our time imo.
As for those who talk about Zidane not controlling his temper and so on, I'd like to remind you that Zidane DID control his temper at first while that loser Materazzi continued to insult him but then Materazzi must have said something extremely offensive which hit a raw nerve and broke Zidane's patience. Here's a replay of the incident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1i_l0OeeMc
Anyhow, I think one person made a very accurate comment:
''If playing fair means taking dives, faking injuries and insulting other players, then sure Italy played fair. What Zidane did was regrettable, but there's only so much somebody can take. He is human after all, which is more than what we can say about most of the Italian players.''
I don't see how anyone can think Italy deserved to win. They do have a strong defence and a good goalkeeper but they are a bunch of cheating, time-wasting, dirty playing fakers.