Algerian president backs Zidane over head-butt

LONDON, July 11 (Reuters) The president of Algeria said today he had sent a letter of support to Zinedine Zidane after the French soccer captain was sent off in the World Cup final for head-butting an Italian opponent.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika described Zidane, the son of Algerian immigrants, as ''a World Cup demi-god'' and the best footballer in the world.

Zidane, widely regarded as the finest footballer of his generation, was sent off for head-butting Marco Materazzi after exchanging comments with the Italian defender. Italy won the final after a penalty shoot-out.

''Yesterday I sent a personal letter on my behalf and on behalf of all the Algerian people to express my solidarity and my friendship to Zidane, and to give him some comfort,'' Bouteflika told a news conference in London after talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

''He was a demi-god of the World Cup, but five minutes later for many people unfortunately he become something that sports men should shy away from,'' said the president, speaking through a translator.

''He has not lost his own human dimension.'' The match was Zidane's last in competitive football and Bouteflika said it was not for others to judge the footballer's actions.

''We support him because he is Algerian, we support him because he is the best ... he's the best in the world. It was necessary for Algeria to express itself and to side with him.'' Reuters DH RN2122