Source: Daily_Mail
Nigel de Jong defended by Man City boss Roberto Mancini
Roberto Mancini has leapt to the defence of Nigel de Jong after the escalating backlash over his horror tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa. [LNB]The Manchester City midfielder broke Ben Arfa's leg with a rough challenge in their 2-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday. [LNB]De Jong has since been dropped by Holland after severe criticism from manager Bert van Marwijk, while Newcastle defender Jose Enrique has claimed that he should be banned for as long as Ben Arfa is sidelined. [LNB] Wild: Nigel De Jong flies in on Hatem Ben Arfa at Eastlands on Sunday[LNB]But City boss Mancini has now backed his player, saying: '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. [LNB] 'However, as his club manager I wish to saythat whilst he is naturally competitive, Nigel is first and foremost a great player as well as being honest and loyal and I support him wholeheartedly. [LNB]Anger: Jose Enrique[LNB] 'I also want to take this opportunity to wish Ben Arfa,who I rate very highly, a speedy recovery and I hope to see him back inaction soon. [LNB]However, Holland legend Johan Cryuff insisted Van Marwijk was right to axe the midfielder.[LNB]He said: 'He's crossed the line two or three times now. [LNB]'He needs to understand he is an example to all the young players and I think it is a very good decision.'[LNB]On Monday, Van Marwijk said: 'I've seen the pictures back. It was a wild and unnecessary offence. He went in much too hard. It is unfortunate, especially since he does not need to do it. [LNB] 'The funny thing is that the referee did not even show a yellow card for it. Apparently, there are other standards. But I have a problem with the way Nigel needlessly looks to push the limit.' [LNB]And Enrique added to thecriticism by saying: 'They should ban De Jong until Ben Arfa can play again. De Jong shouldn't be allowed to play football. His tackle was criminal. He already injured another player (Stuart Holden) last season.[LNB]'If it was Rooney who was injured instead of Ben Arfa, they would makean example of him. [LNB] 'I think it's very good that the Holland coach has left him out of the squad. But Newcastle have been left with just two wingers until the January transfer window. It's hurt us. [LNB] 'The referee(Martin Atkinson) was laughable - the worst I have seen. He didn't evengive a foul for the challenge. De Jong is one of those players who walks a tightrope every time he plays. As far as I know, he didn't even come to say sorry after the match.'[LNB] Nightmare: Hatem Ben Arfa is carried off with a broken leg[LNB] Nigel de Jong must be banned for as long as Hatem Ben Arfa takes to recover from broken leg, insist angry NewcastleHolland axe De Jong for 'wild' tackle that left Ben Arfa with broken legI'll be back! Newcastle forward Ben Arfa vows to return after horror break MANCHESTER CITY FC
