De Jong

Epic Swindle · October 4, 2010

The Football Association will take no action against Nigel de Jong over the tackle that left the Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa with a broken leg.

Ben Arfa was stretchered off following a robust challenge by De Jong in the third minute of yesterday's match at Eastlands, which Manchester City won 2-1. The 23-year-old Frenchman suffered a broken tibia and fibula of his left leg and underwent successful surgery this morning.

Because the referee Martin Atkinson admitted he saw the incident at the time and decided not to punish De Jong, the FA cannot pursue the matter. However, the midfielder was today dropped from the Holland squad for their upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden.

The Holland coach, Bert van Marwijk, said he saw "no alternative" but to remove De Jong, adding: "I've seen the pictures back. It was a wild and unnecessary offence. He went in much too hard. It is unfortunate, especially since he does not need to do it.

"The funny thing is that the referee did not even show a yellow card for it. Apparently, there are other standards. But I have a problem with the way Nigel needlessly looks to push the limit. I am going to speak to him."

It is not the first time De Jong has come under the microscope for his aggressive play, having caused the Bolton Wanderers and United States midfielder Stuart Holden a fractured right fibula on international duty in March. Then in the World Cup final in July, he was fortunate to escape with a yellow card following a chest-high challenge on Spain's Xabi Alonso

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/04/nigel-de-jong-fa-holland

Masch was a hard player but fair. This lad is just a thug.

Jarg Armani · October 5, 2010

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