De Jong should have seen red in final, admits Webb

REFEREE Howard Webb has admitted he should have shown the Netherlands’ Nigel de Jong a red card in the World Cup final for the Manchester City player’s x-rated challenge on Xabi Alonso.

Webb handed out a record 14 yellow cards — two leading to a red — but the Yorkshire official accepts he should have sent off De Jong for his kung fu-style kick on Spain’s former Liverpool player in the 25th minute.

Webb, who is back in training with his assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey ahead of a return to Premier League refereeing next month, said the final was much more physical than he had anticipated and his view of the De Jong challenge was partially obstructed.