Newcastle United have written to the Football Association calling for action to be taken against Manchester City's Nigel de Jong over his leg-breaking challenge on Hatem Ben Arfa.

Ben Arfa broke both bones in the lower half of his left leg during the 2-1 defeat at Eastlands on Sunday, with Dutch international de Jong being axed from the Netherlands squad as a result of his actions.

However, match referee Martin Atkinson took no action against de Jong at the time and United would like the FA to take a look at the incident again.

A statement from the Magpies read:"Newcastle United FC have written a strongly-worded letter to the FA in relation to the tackle by Manchester City's Nigel de Jong on Hatem Ben Arfa in Sunday's Premier League fixture, which resulted in Ben Arfa sustaining a broken tibia and fibula of his left leg.

"The club has asked the FA for the appropriate action to be taken against de Jong for the tackle which in the club's opinion was unnecessary and used excessive force.

"Newcastle United will also be writing to the appropriate body regarding the performance of the match officials, specifically the referee, in relation to a number of incidents during the game including the tackle on Ben Arfa."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email