Juventus fell into German trap, claims Zinedine Zidane

“We fell into a sort of trap against this Hamburg team,” Zidane said on Wednesday on his website.

“The Germans played hard right from the start and the treatment inflicted by my direct opponent Kientz particularly annoyed me. I took justice into my own hands which is why I was sent off,” said Zidane, the key player in France’s World Cup and Euro 2000 winning sides.

“I’m disappointed, I’m the most guilty but as usual it’s the reaction to annoyance that is punished. I’m aware of leaving my teammates with just 10 and the sending off of Edgar Davids a few minutes later didn’t help things for Juventus.”

But he added: “I’ll say the same thing before the disciplinary commission. I have to be punished because my action isn’t allowed, but I want what caused that reaction to be taken into account.”

The French player is facing at least a three-match ban for the violent act which resulted in his German opponent receiving a fractured cheekbone and concussion, putting him out of action for two weeks.

The Champions League campaign has not been plain sailing for Zidane after he was dismissed against Spanish side Deportivo la Coruna, also at the Stadio delle Alpi earlier in the tournament.

UEFA reduced his ban from two games to one ironically that allowed him to make his unfortunate date with destiny on Tuesday but it is unlikely they will err on the side of leniency this time.

Zidane’s explanation was echoed by Juventus director general Luciano Moggi.“We fell into the trap of their provocations. Before Zidane’s sending off, we were hit without the referee intervening,” said Moggi.

“How is it possible that only a single German player was penalised ?” he asked.

“Zidane lost control of himself after being struck in the back by Kientz. A champion like him should control such situations but it is unbelieveable that the tough play of the Germans was not penalised,” added MoggiThe disciplinary commission of European Football’s governing body UEFA looks set to examine the case of Zidane on Friday, a source said.

“The next meeting of the disciplinary commission is on December 14, I think it would be preferable for Zidane and his club to treat this dossier as quickly as possible,” the source added.

In addition to Zidane the case of his Dutch teammate Edgar Davids, who was also sent off on Tuesday, will be examined.