Source: Man_City
Magpies assistant defends De Jong
| Submit Comments| Comments (113)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapUNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Nigel de JongNigel de Jong is fighting to save his international career after the Manchester City hard-man was sensationally dumped by Holland. But the midfielder has found an unexpected ally ? after the challenge that left winger Hatem Ben Arfa with a double leg break ? in the shape of Newcastle assistant boss Colin Calderwood, who went against his own manager by saying the horror injury owed much to misfortune. Though de Jong will not face any action from the FA, his Holland future is on the line as he faces showdown talks with national boss Bert van Marwijk after being axed from the Euro 2012 qualifiers with Moldova and Sweden because of the incident. De Jong came in for heavy criticism following a brutal challenge on Spain?s Xabi Alonso in a World Cup final that led to wide-spread condemnation for Holland?s cynical approach. However, Calderwood played down the Ben Arfa challenge, saying the fracture owed a lot to misfortune and that he would not like to see that type of tackle outlawed. ?At first the tackle looked really strong ? he went into the challenge very, very quickly,? said Calderwood. ?We tried to get a quick look at the replay, but there was no replay coming up on the camera in the tunnel. ?But I wouldn?t want to take that type of challenge out of our football. ?The consequences of the challenge are horrible but there was a certain amount of misfortune in that Hatem?s legs were attached to the ground a little bit and the force with which de Jong hit him definitely moved the leg.? While de Jong frets over his national future, City legend, Tony Book, believes Roberto Mancini could be the big winner in his international exile. ?If you were looking for a positive from it you would say at least he?ll be fresh after the international break,? said the former Blues player and manager. ?That might please the manager, given how important he is to City, but Nigel would always want to play for his country.? For his part, Blues assistant boss Brian Kidd insisted: ?Nigel is as honest as the day is long. There is no malice in him at all.? What do you think? Have your say.| Submit Comments| Comments (113)| Printable VersionAdd A CommentEnter your comments:Sending
