Nigel de Jong admits that he felt "like a war criminal" after his ferocious tackle on Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup final.
The Manchester City midfielder made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he kicked Alonso in the chest during the World Cup final.
De Jong concedes he should have received a red card, not a yellow for his reckless challenge, but feels that some people went too far with their comments on his actions.
He told De Volkskrant: "At no time did I see Xabi Alonso, because I was focused only on the ball.
"It was not good at all. Of course, the referee should have shown a red card for the foul. That is obvious.
"I had the feeling that there were people who wanted to harm me. I've been public enemy number one on many occasions.
"Honestly, people treated me like a war criminal. It was an unpleasant sensation."
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| Nigel de Jong fouls Xabi Alonso with a kick to the stomach Photo: Getty Images |
The Manchester City midfielder made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he kicked Alonso in the chest during the World Cup final.
De Jong concedes he should have received a red card, not a yellow for his reckless challenge, but feels that some people went too far with their comments on his actions.
He told De Volkskrant: "At no time did I see Xabi Alonso, because I was focused only on the ball.
"It was not good at all. Of course, the referee should have shown a red card for the foul. That is obvious.
"I had the feeling that there were people who wanted to harm me. I've been public enemy number one on many occasions.
"Honestly, people treated me like a war criminal. It was an unpleasant sensation."
Related links:
Team
Personal
