Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel has defended Manchester City's hard-tackling midfielder Nigel de Jong.
The Holland international insists his Oranje teammate is no criminal after breaking the leg of Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa and says it is simply unfortunate that this incident occurred.
"Nigel is and remains one of us," said van Bommel who has in the past been accused of providing tough challenges himself.
"We find this all very frustrating. It's very unfortunate that he has broken the leg of an opponent twice in six months.
"But I know Nigel as a sweet guy. He doesn't want to injure anyone but wants to win every match. That is his strength.
"Thanks to Nigel we reached the final of the World Cup. And now I hear people calling him a criminal. What a nonsense."
