Manchester City Football Club News

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Alonso slams de Jong tackle

13 Jul 2010 - 08:26:11

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Spain's Xabi Alonso claims Nigel de Jong's World Cup final challenge was one of the worst of his career.

The Manchester City and Netherlands midfielder was cautioned in the 28th minute of his side's 1-0 defeat in Johannesburg for a high tackle on Alonso.

Alonso was pole-axed after de Jong's boot caught him in the chest and by general consensus he was lucky not to receive a straight red card from English referee Howard Webb for the most X-rated tackle in an ill-tempered game.

"It was one of the worst tackles I have ever suffered," claimed Alonso, who left Liverpool to join Real Madrid last summer.

"It was a tight game, there was respect from both sides and they had to close us down.

"But that challenge was really hard. It was one of the most painful tackles in my life and it was hard to play on.

"I have probably broken a rib, although I am not too worried about that."