Nigel de Jong 'crossed a line' with Hatem Ben Arfa tackle, says Bert van Marwijk

06 October 2010 21:02
The World Cup runners-up face a Euro 2012 qualifying match against Moldova on Friday without the combative Manchester City player, who broke the leg of Newcastle winer Hatem Ben Arfa in a Premier League match last Sunday. [LNB] "This time Nigel crossed a line," Van Marwijk said. "That is a shame as this matter only has losers. [LNB] Related ArticlesMancini: De Jong uncompromising, not dirtyBellamy hits out at ManciniNewcastle want De Jong punishedMancini defends 'great player' De JongT?z and Mancini in furious rowDe Jong in City deal talks "Ben Arfa broke his leg but Nigel lost as well and I can't use a player in great form during two important matches. But it didn't take me long to take this decision."[LNB]De Jong was involved in several controversial incidents last season, including a very high tackle on Spain's Xavi Alonso during this year's World Cup final. [LNB] "I spoke with Nigel on Monday and he was disappointed but I also had the idea he had some understanding for my decision," Van Marwijk added. [LNB] "I discussed with him in the past about the fouls he made but so far he never crossed the line like he did now."[LNB]Demy de Zeeuw and Theo Janssen were the most likely replacements for De Jong but the former has lost his starting position at Ajax Amsterdam and Janssen is injured. In-form Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart could step in. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph