Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle's stricken star Hatem Ben Arfa calls fro greater protection from violent players
Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has called for tighter controls on violent players.[LNB]The France international is still a month away from a return as he recovers from the double broken leg suffered from Nigel de Jong's x-rated tackle at Manchester City in October.[LNB]The ?6million signing from Marseille, Alan Pardew's first after taking over from Chris Hughton, revealed the Holland international had sent him a text of apology for the challenge, which did not earn De Jong a red card.[LNB] Leg breaker: Hatem Ben Arfa has been sidelined since October because of this challenge by Manchester City's Nigel de Jong[LNB]Ben Arfa says he accepted the City midfielder's apology, but he has called for more protection for players.[LNB]He said: 'I don't really understand English, but in his text, he told me he didn't intend to hurt me and he was sorry. I told him that it wasn't a serious issue - just football.[LNB]'The problem is that there was not even any blame. A player will get away with anything if there are no sanctions.[LNB] Rash: The early part of the season was packed full of OTT challenges[LNB]'I don't want to come down on referees, but we still have to do more to protect players, so that if he wants to tackle like that again, he thinks twice.'[LNB]Newcastle are awaiting the results of scans on striker Leon Best's ankle. The Republic of Ireland striker, who has been out for three weeks, is likely to need surgery and miss the rest of the season. [LNB] He'd just go clubbing! Pardew defends decision to send Ben Arfa homeThere is a resolve at St James' Park and Ameobi is finally walking the talkAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Hatem Ben Arfa, Chris Hughton, Leon Best Places: Newcastle, France, Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands
