By Ollie Irish
Karl Henry yesterday, De Jong today…
Note: the footage is graphic. Poor Hatem.
As I just tweeted, physical intimidation epitomised by (frankly) thuggish tackles is becoming a serious problem in English football – and in English football alone, it seems.
Henry’s tackle on Gomez was worse, but De Jong – who I likened to a boxer last week – has a track record of brutal tackles and this is no exception.
Yes, it’s bad luck that Ben Arfa’s standing leg was rooted in the turf, but players must think about the consequences before they charge in like MMA fighters. It’s up to managers first to make that clear to their players. The authorities must also take a stand, with much longer bans for dangerous tackles.
Saying “The lad mistimed it, he was just trying to win the ball fairly,” is no excuse to hide behind. In fact, it’s cowardly.