PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has called on Nigel de Jong to take more responsibility for his actions.
PFA supremo hopes City midfielder learns from current criticism
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has called on Nigel de Jong to take more responsibility for his actions.
The Manchester City midfielder has found himself the centre of attention this week after his crunching tackle on Hatem Ben Arfa on Sunday left the Newcastle winger with a broken leg.
He faced no punishment for the challenge at the time, but has been widely condemned in the aftermath of the game - with this not the first time that he has been involved in a questionable challenge.
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk was among those of the opinion that De Jong's actions were out of order and he has subsequently dropped him from Euro 2012 qualifying duty.
It is hoped that the midfield enforcer will learn from this experience and take greater care in future.
Taylor feels he needs to if he is to avoid similar criticism, as this episode has erupted shortly after a horror, chest-high tackle in the World Cup final on Spain's Xabi Alonso.
"There was a lot of criticism for the way Holland approached the final," said Taylor.
"Maybe it was a tactical approach and the only way they could come to terms with a very skilful Spanish side.
Intimidating
"There is nothing wrong with getting into people's faces, harassing them and intimidating them as long as it is within the rules.
"According to the referee on Sunday, the tackle that caused the broken leg was not a foul. Other people will have other opinions.
"Nigel is a very committed player. He goes in strongly in a physical contact sport. However, you also have a duty of care to your fellow professionals."
FIFPro general secretary Theo van Seggelen has also called on his fellow Dutchman to think before he acts in the future, and believes De Jong could actually benefit from an enforced break.
"It is a difficult time for Nigel," said Van Seggelen.
"I don't believe there is a player in the world - and we have 50,000 members - who would deliberately try to injure someone else. That would not be acceptable.
"But maybe it is good that for a couple of days he can think about the fact he is not playing.
"It is good for him to think about the way he plays and work out whether he should be a little bit more careful in future. I hope he learns something."
