De Jong dropped from Holland for Ben Arfa Leg Break

The Break (Click to enlarge)

Bert Van Marwijk, the Holland coach, has dropped Nigel de Jong from his Holland squad because of what he called "a wild and unnecessary offence" after the Manchester City midfielder broke Hatem Ben Arfas leg.

The incident occurred in the third minute of Sunday's game between Manchester City and Newcastle. At first, the tackle seemed fair - and was deemed fair by the referee. There was no free-kick and no yellow card for the tackle - the game just carried on. But as Ben Arfa stayed down, screaming in agony and desperately trying to hold his leg together, the referee had to stop the game, and as the replays were shown, it became clear that the tackle was very hard, and very needless.

De Jong is building - or has built, a reputation for being a little too hefty in the challenge. The World Cup, for example. The outrageous fly-kick which he performed on Xabi Alonso in the final was not the only dangerous, and silly challenge in which he showcased his immense talent of hurting people (and getting away with it). Bert Van Marwijk has acknowledged this, and has decided, that if the referees aren't going to punish the Dutchman - he will.

"I've seen the pictures back. It was a wild and unnecessary offence. He went in much too hard. It is unfortunate, especially since he does not need to do it.

Ben Arfa receives Oxygen

The funny thing is that the referee did not even show a yellow card for it. Apparently, there are other standards. But I have a problem with the way Nigel needlessly looks to push the limit. I am going to speak to him"

Ben Arfa meanwhile, will take roughly about six months to recover from a broken tibia and fibula. The young man hopes to be back, playing for Newcastle soon, as he is enjoying life in England so much. He is only on a years long loan from Marseille, but after his wonderful debut goal, and lively performances so far, Newcastle may reward him with a permanent contract - if Marseille agree.

If Players Refuse to Play, Clubs should Refuse to Pay.

Refusing to play: Mascherano

Football clubs and the F.A should come down much harder on these players who refuse to play for their clubs in the hope that they can encourage a move to another club which will make them, and their agents more money. Some football players must understand that they are owned by their football club, and they are under contract to them, and so when they are available to play a match, and they are picked, then they have no choice but to do as their clubs say.

However, with the recent transfer story involving Barcelona and Javier Mascherano of Liverpool, this was not the case. Mascherano refused to play for his club last week in the hope that his little "strike" would be noticed, and he would get his wish and move away from the club. With news today that Liverpool have now agreed to let Mascherano hold talks with Barcelona over a possible move, he has gotten what he wants. Surely this only encourages more players like Mascherano to do wrong and refuse to play in the hope of moving to another club.

Mascherano is not the only player of recent weeks to do this either. The Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic also refused to play in the hope that he could make a move to Chelsea possible. In addition, Hatem Ben Arfa of Marseille is presently refusing to play for the French club because he wants to play for Newcastle. In my opinion, it seems like most moves like this are mainly money related. Harry Redknapp said that when players do this it is usually down to the agents wanting more money and suggesting the player use tactics like these to fuel a move for more lucrative deals.

If a player wants to move to another club, he should go about it in a more mature manner. It seems so immature and a bit of a disgrace for them to just say "Well I won't play until I get what I want" like a spoilt little brat. And frankly, if I was an owner or a manager, I wouldn't pay them their wages and would fine them on top of that for refusing to play. If they are fit and able to play, and get picked for the team but refuse, why should they be payed for doing nothing?