CoG Studios – The LA Galaxy have announced that Nigel De Jong has been suspended for the next three games of the season after the Disciplinary Committee ruled that a 73rd minute yellow card, for a tackle on Darlington Nagbe, warranted a more serious response. De Jong was also fined as a result of the tackle.
The final result of the ruling should be no surprise. Reports surfaced as early as Wednesday that De Jong was facing a three game ban. But ultimately it took 4 days to hand out the punishment.
Per LA Galaxy PR Nigel De Jong did not appeal his three-game suspension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ9KJJN0ItU
De Jong will miss LA Galaxy’s away clash with Houston (tonight), their home game against Real Salt Lake (4.23.2016) and, the final game of his suspension, will be an away game against Sporting KC (5.1.2016).
While Nigel De Jong deserved a red card for his tackle, his reputation for being a “dirty” player certainly played into the general outrage. De Jong has broken two legs and put a cleat to the chest of an opponent in a World Cup Final.
De Jong had started all of the LA Galaxy’s five league games up until this point and had played all 90 minutes in each game. He’s committed nine fouls during those games and received two yellow cards (one will be changed to a red card). In addition he has been one of the best players for the team this season. With Robbie Keane’s absence, Bruce Arena installed De Jong as captain for the game against Portland.
#lagalaxy midfielder Nigel de Jong did not appeal his three-game ban. De Jong is set to return when the LA Galaxy host New England 5/8.
— brendan hannan (@brendanhannan) April 15, 2016
It should also be noted that Portland Timbers defender Nat Borchers was not investigated by the Disciplinary Committee for his 15th minute tackle on Gyasi Zardes that could’ve easily warranted a retroactive red card.
Also, not included in the committees review was Jelle Van Damme who made a two footed tackle on Portland’s Adi.
Our match preview of the Houston game can be found HERE and an in detail discussion of Nigel De Jong’s tackle can be found HERE.