A lip-reader told The Sun that Marco Materazzi called Zidane a “son of a terrorist whore” before the French Algerian was sent off in Sunday’s explosive match.

A French Football Federation source said: “If you insult Zidane’s mother you are asking for trouble. Combine such words with a reference to terrorism, which French Algerians are very sensitive about, and a violent reaction might appear inevitable.”

Top lip-reader Marianne Frere revealed the Italian told Zidane — who understands the language after playing for Juventus — a high ball was “not for feccia like you”.

Zidane smiled at Materazzi as he walked away. But there was another exchange, Zidane turned and floored him with a butt to the chest. The lip-reader claimed the Italian had said: “We all know you are the son of a terrorist whore.”

He added: “Viffanculo”. (f*** off). A source close to the Italian squad claimed that after twisting Zidane’s nipple, Materazzi asked him: “What, don’t you like it?” The French captain replied: “A bit too hard to turn me on.”

But Materazzi shouted: “Well, I did it that way because I know that’s how your mother likes it.”

And last night a cousin claimed ex-Everton defender Materazzi called him a terrorist to get him sent off. Rabah Zidane said the Italian chose the “most vicious insult he could muster”.

He added: “My cousin is gentle but was provoked by a truly savage insult.”

Dad-of-four Zidane has refused to reveal publicly what provoked him to launch the attack.

But his agent Alain Migliaccio said: “I am not justifying his actions but the Italian said something very bad. He just cracked.”

Materazzi’s agent denied any racist slur — and said the attack came when Zidane offered to swap shirts later and the Italian replied: “‘I’d rather take the shirt off your wife.”

French president Jacques Chirac hailed him as “a genius of world football” as he greeted the French squad in Paris. He added: “You are also a man of heart, commitment, conviction. That’s why France admires and loves you.”

¶ 3:24 PM