• Premier League

Newcastle call for FA action on Nigel de Jong

ESPN staff
October 5, 2010
Hatem Ben Arfa was left in agony after Nigel de Jong's challenge © Getty Images
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Newcastle have sent a "strongly worded" letter to the Football Association urging the governing body to take action against Nigel De Jong for the tackle that left Hatem Ben Arfa with a double leg break.

Ben Arfa underwent surgery that has been classed as a success, but is facing upwards of six months on the sidelines.

The fallout from the incident has continued this week, with Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk making his feelings on the tackle known by leaving the midfielder out of his side, while Newcastle defender Jose Enrique has called for a long ban to be meted out.

Referee Martin Atkinson failed to even award Newcastle a free kick, which only incensed the Magpies further and they have made their feelings known in a letter to the FA.

A club statement said: "Newcastle United 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.

"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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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