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.
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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?
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Nigel de Jong escapes red card for challenge that sees opponent leave the pitch in a wheelchair
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’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!
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Hardman In hot water LA Galaxy MLS Nigel De Jong Portland Timbers