Advertisement
In hot water

Nigel de Jong escapes red card for challenge that sees opponent leave the pitch in a wheelchair

The LA Galaxy midfielder has been criticised for the foul on Darlington Nagbe of the Portland Timbers.

DEFENDING MLS CUP champions the Portland Timbers and five-time winners LA Galaxy played out a 1-1 draw at StubHub Centre last night.

Nigerian forward Fanendo Adi put the Timbers ahead before Portland defender Nat Borchers scored an own-goal late on, but the biggest talking point of the game was a challenge by Nigel de Jong in the 72nd minute.

Dutch midfielder De Jong threw himself into a 50/50 with Darlington Nagbe coming off worse for wear.
https://vine.co/v/iTrvAtxxE73

While De Jong, who joined the Galaxy from AC Milan back in January, escaped with a yellow card, US international Nagbe had to leave the pitch in a wheelchair.

Tough-tackling De Jong, who infamously kicked Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the chest during the 2010 World Cup final, has been heavily-criticised for the studs-up challenge, but insists there was no intent.

“It was a ball that came my way,” De Jong said. ”It was 50-50 and normally I always have those balls. But I went over the ball and caught the ball a little bit and caught most of his ankle,”

It was a pity — it was never my intention to hurt him. He’s a good kid, as well, and I said that after the game, as well, to him.

“It’s a pity, but that’s football, as well. It was never my intention, and when a ball comes in that situation, you always go for it 100%. Unfortunately, I caught him.”

What do you make of the tackle? 

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Contract leak reveals Neymar guaranteed to make at least €45m from Barca spell

No longer seen as a reject, now Ranieri is centre of attention in Italy

Your Voice
Readers Comments
11
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.