Nigel de Jong karate-kicked Xabi Alonso in the CHEST during the 2010 World Cup FINAL. In front of ONE BILLION people watching on television. And the referee only gave him a YELLOW CARD! The most violent foul in World Cup Final history, and somehow he stayed on the pitch. Football is unbelievable sometimes!
Country: Netherlands Position: Defensive midfielder Career: 2002-2019 Clubs: Ajax, Hamburg, Manchester City, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, Galatasaray, Mainz, Al-Ahli
The Rap Sheet
- Karate-kicked Xabi Alonso in the chest during the 2010 World Cup Final — only received a yellow
- The 2010 final became known as 'the dirtiest World Cup Final ever' — de Jong was the main villain
- Seriously injured Stuart Holden at Manchester City with a tackle that broke his leg
- Was involved in multiple career-threatening tackles throughout his time in the Premier League
- Howard Webb, the referee, later admitted he should have given de Jong a red card in the final
The Verdict
One billion people watched de Jong kick Alonso in the chest and somehow survive with just a yellow card. If that tackle happened in a bar, he would be arrested. But on a World Cup Final pitch? Just a yellow. Football's justice system is broken!
Tomorrow: #16 — Stay tuned for the next villain!
