Johan Cruyff slams Nigel De Jong's tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa
Holland legend Johan Cruyff has slammed Nigel De Jong's challenge on Hatem Ben Arfa, which left the Frenchman with a double leg break when De Jong’s Manchester City faced Newcastle United in the English Premier League.
As a result of the tackle, Holland coach Bert Van Marwijk has dropped De Jong from his squad for UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying matches against Moldova and Sweden. The player did not even receive a yellow card for his actions, and the
English Football Association has revealed that it will not be investigating the matter any further.
But De Jong’s challenge has not gone entirely unnoticed, with several pundits criticising the player for such a rash challenge.
He also came under heavy fire for a challenge on Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which saw him implant his boot into the Real Madrid midfielder’s chest.
Aggressive style under scrutiny
Cruyff had slated De Jong for his approach in the final, and has again slammed the 25-year-old for his aggressive style after the horrible tackle on Ben Arfa.
The former Barcelona star told Sky Sports News that, "I think it's not the first time, which means the tackle he did in the World Championship [World Cup] was not correct [either]. I know it's professional, but there are some rules where you can't
cross the line. I think the last half a year or something like that, he crossed the line two or three times."
"He needs to understand he needs to be an example for all the young players too, that there are limits, and I think that's why him being dropped from the Holland squad was a very good decision. One thing you hope is that he learns something about [from]
it, because he's a very good player."
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