ZZ blows his top

This was the not the ending Zinedine Zidane had in mind as he hung up his boots.

The French captain cast a dark shadow over his glorious career with a moment of madness in the World Cup final with Italy

Zidane was sent off after 110 minutes for a headbutt into the chest of Marco Materazzi after the two players had a heated exchange of words.

The former Real Madrid man could have no complaint with the decision as he seemed to lose the plot in the heat of the moment in Berlin.

This was meant to be Zidane's fairytale farewell as he hung up his boots after the final, but it all turned wrong for the midfield maestro.

Things looked to be going to plan early on when Zidane fired France in front after just seven minutes with a cheekily chipped penalty.

It meant another landmark for Zidane as he became only the fourth player to score three goals in the history of the World Cup final following the two goals he scored in the 1998 final success over Brazil.

Zidane had turned the clock back in getting France to the final with a superb performances against Spain and Brazil in the knockout stages.

The 34-year-old appeared determined to end his career on a high as he inspired France in the second half, but they could find no way past a resolute Italian defence.

Zidane came closest to scoring in extra-time when he saw his header superbly saved by Gianluigi Buffon.

All the French players looked to Zidane for inspiration, but six minutes into the second period of extra-time the midfielder had his moment of madness by headbutting Materazzi.

As Zidane trudged off the pitch after being sent off he must have regretted that his career had ended in disgrace.

It left France without the services of Zidane for the penalty shoot-out and Italy prevailed by scoring all five of their penalties and David Trezeguet missing the crucial kick for France.

By that time Zidane found himself in the dressing room, contemplating his moment of madness which saw this great player not end his career in style but shame.