Bayern Munich star Mark van Bommel has jumped to the defence of Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong.
De Jong was axed from the Dutch party on Monday after coach Bert van Marwijk took a dim view of his challenge in Sunday's Barclays Premier League game between City and Newcastle which left France winger Hatem Ben Arfa with a broken tibia and fibula.
Holland teammate Van Bommel told AD Sportwereld: "Nigel is and remains one of us.
"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."
Holland's physical style at the World Cup saw them widely criticised with Van Bommel and De Jong two of the men targeted.
"I know exactly what Nigel is suffering," Van Bommel added.
"I have also had to answer for playing hard. But I didn't want to injure anyone and I have had to think about that criticism.
"Nigel should not change his game, we need him as he is.
"But maybe he should occasionally go into a tackle slightly differently."
