France forgives Zidane for misbehavior during World Cup

France forgives Zidane for misbehavior during World Cup

Even if the rest of the sporting world remains appalled by the move, the poll shows that in France, 61 percent forgive the now-retired team captain for the head-butt, which earned him an expulsion in the final minutes of Sunday's game and marked a shocking end to his illustrious career. France lost 5-3 in penalty kicks.

More than 50 percent of the 802 respondents said they understood the star's reaction, according to the poll conducted by telephone by CSA polling agency published in Tuesday's Le Parisien newspaper. No margin of error was given.

Zidane has yet to explain his actions, though some observers have speculated Materazzi taunted him with a racist remark. Zidane's agent said he would explain himself in the coming days, according to the AP.