Despite the remarkable outcry surrounding Nigel de Jong‘s recent horror tackle, the LA Galaxy brute has been defended by his coach Bruce Arena.
Speaking to the media—as reported by the Los Angeles Times—former USMNT coach Arena has slammed the reaction to the midfielder’s tackle, insisting that the player’s reputation has preceded him.
De Jong escaped with a yellow card despite laying out Darlington Nagbe of Portand Timbers with a high tackle that left his opponent in a wheelchair.
“I think it’s hysteria,” Arena began. “If that was any other player in that tackle, it would not have received the hysteria that it has.
“I think the press and others have failed miserably in reporting the incident and what actually happened.”
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De Jong moved to Major League Soccer in Februray, having previously featured for the likes of Manchester City, AC Milan and Hamburg.
The 31-year-old began his career with Ajax, and helped the Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup.