The latest chapter of the Nigel de Jong story features the Dutchman plying his trade in Major League Soccer, playing alongside Robbie Keane at Los Angeles Galaxy.
A notoriously robust tackler, De Jong wasn't wasting any time in causing a stir on social media after he went in on a tackle that left his opponent, Darlington Nagbe of the Portland Timbers, needing to be taken off the field in a wheelchair.
Darlington Nagbe cannot put weight on his left ankle. Needs wheelchair off the pitch. #MLS pic.twitter.com/yKLxun06VU
— Julie Stewart-Binks (@JSB_FOX) 11 April 2016
The tackle was a hefty one, as De Jong went in forcefully over the top of the ball, and Nagbe was perhaps lucky not to suffer a break as a result.
After the game, the Portland Timbers twitter account was not pleased with either the player or his club, given that he was only booked for the extremely dangerous tackle, and decided to call the Galaxy out on it.
Tagging the LA twitter, they asked if they had any "pithy" comments to make after they previously justified a red card for Liam Ridgewell of the Timbers by uploading a picture of a player's bruise.
Hey @LAGalaxy, last year this acct justified a RC on Ridgewell w/a pic of a bruise. Any pithy commentary on De Jong? Are you even surprised?
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) 11 April 2016
When Galaxy responded, the Timbers were not amused either, deeming that they were treating the topic a bit too lightly.
@LAGalaxy Sorry we don't find signing dirty players funny. But have at it.
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) 11 April 2016
Speaking after the game, De Jong said he had apologised to Nagbe, but also defended his tackle by stating that he felt he got at least some of the ball: "I just [caught] up with him and said that it was my never my intention, it was a 50-50 and I went over the ball instead of on the ball"
"I [caught] the ball a little bit, but also his ankle unfortunately. I hope it’s not too bad."
Via Balls.ie
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
