Source: Daily_Mail
FA to consider Newcastle's call for action against Manchester City's Nigel de Jong
The FA will consider Newcastle's call for action to be taken against Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong over his horror tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa. [LNB]However, it is understood there could be little they can do as match referee Martin Atkinson saw the incident and decided there was no offence. [LNB]The Magpies have written to the governing body to ask them to look at the incident, which occurred during Sunday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Eastlands and left the Frenchman with fractures to his left tibia and fibula. [LNB] Crunch: Nigel De Jong's (right) controversial tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa[LNB]An FA spokesman said: 'We will consider the contents of the letter.'[LNB] Newcastle believe De Jong's tackle, which left Ben Arfa needing surgery and facing months on the sidelines, was reckless. [LNB]A club statement said: 'Newcastle United FC have today written a strongly worded letter to the Football Association in relation to the tackle by Manchester City's Nigel de Jong on Hatem Ben Arfa in Sunday's Premier League fixture, which resulted in Ben Arfa sustaining a broken tibia and fibula of his left leg.[LNB] '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.'[LNB] However, there may be little scope for the FA to intervene because of FIFA rules which prevent them from taking retrospective action over 'on the ball' incidents which have already been adjudged by match officials.[LNB] Painful: Ben Arfa suffered breaks to his left tibia and fibula in the challenge[LNB] There have since been repercussions for De Jong, who was withdrawn from the Holland squad for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden by coach Bert van Marwijk, who described his challenge as 'wild and unnecessary'. [LNB]The Magpies are also calling on referees' chiefs to examine the performance of Mr Atkinson and his officials over a series of decisions in the game. [LNB]City were awarded a controversial first-half penalty for Mike Williamson's challenge on Carlos Tevez, from which the Argentinian scored the game's opening goal, but were later denied a spot-kick of their own for Joleon Lescott's lunge at Shola Ameobi. [LNB]The statement continued: 'Newcastle United will also be writing to the appropriate body regarding the performance of the match officials, specifically the referee, in relation to a number of incidents during the game, including the tackle on Ben Arfa.'[LNB]The France international joined Newcastle on loan from Marseille during the summer transfer window with a view to completing a permanent move, and announced himself with a stunning winner on his first start for the club at Everton last month.[LNB] Ben Arfa thanks fans for support as he prepares to leave hospital after breakManchester City fume at Van Marwijk's use of De Jong as a 'scapegoat'Newcastle demand FA take action against De Jong for tackle on Ben ArfaAndy Townsend insight: Van Marwijk's a disgrace for dropping De Jong [LNB]
