Source: Man_City
Mancini's backing for De Jong
| Submit Comments| Comments (49)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapRoberto Mancini has today backed under-fire star Nigel de Jong following his leg-breaking tackle on Newcastle?s Hatem Ben Arfa. The Blues boss leapt to the defence of the tenacious midfielder after de Jong was dropped by the Dutch FA as a result of the challenge. De Jong has become a hate figure in Holland ? even though the challenge has escaped censure by the FA after referee Martin Atkinson indicated that he had seen it. And last night Newcastle demanded action from the game?s governing body with a club statement saying: ?The club has asked the FA for the appropriate action to be taken against de Jong for the tackle which, in the club?s, opinion was unnecessary and used excessive force.? But Mancini interrupted a short break in Italy, where he is visiting his sick father, to back his player. ?As his club manager I wish to say that, while he is naturally competitive, Nigel is first and foremost a great player, as well as being honest and loyal, and I support him whole-heartedly,? said Mancini. ?I don?t want to comment about Nigel not being called up by his national team as it is a matter for the Dutch Federation. ?I also want to take this opportunity to wish Ben Arfa a speedy recovery and I hope to see him back in action soon.? City are also playing down reports of a bust-up between Mancini and striker Carlos Tevez at half-time of the 2-1 win over Newcastle. Words were exchanged by the two men, but in the context of a dressing room which was angry at a poor first-half performance. The matter was quickly resolved, Tevez shook hands with his manager after being substituted late in the game ? and he has been given an extra day off following international duty in Japan this week to visit his baby daughter in Argentina.| Submit Comments| Comments (49)| Printable VersionAdd A CommentEnter your comments:Sending
