Netherlands star ‘wanted to attack’ Howard Webb for World Cup final red card
Netherlands star Johnny Heitinga “wanted to attack” Howard Webb for sending him off in the World Cup final.
The former Everton defender was handed a second yellow card for persistent fouling by Webb in the 19th minute of extra-time, with the Netherlands still level with Spain at 0-0. They were unable to hold on for penalties with 10 men, though, with Andres Iniesta scoring with four minutes remaining in the additional 30-minute period.
At the time, Heitinga was left fuming with ex-Premier League referee Webb and has now reflected on the sending off 12 years after the match.
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Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at the launch of their World Cup Free-To-Play Halftime Quiz, he explained: “I’ve spoken with Howard Webb, who refereed that final in 2010, on a number of occasions.
“I talked with him a couple of months after that night, and he told me it was so difficult for him. Also, from our side, we were not ourselves; we were nervous. It was difficult for everyone, but especially Howard and the linesmen; nowadays it’s much easier with VAR.
“Of course, I received a red card myself on that night, in extra-time. I was full of emotion in that moment – and walking off that pitch, it just felt like such a long walk. I felt lonely.
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(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“In my eyes, it was an unfair decision; it was very smart from Andres Iniesta for my second booking. I’ve played the game at the highest level for many years, and so has he. I touched him on his shoulder; I wasn’t holding onto him or anything like that, and he went down and gave Howard Webb a decision to make.
“I felt really lonely, especially as I had to stay in the dressing room for the rest of the match. After the match, I was still upset. I look back now and I’m glad our manager grabbed hold of me, because I wanted to attack Howard Webb. In my eyes, it was an unfair decision he made.
“We played so well with eight minutes to go, you just wonder what we could have done in that time with 11 players on the pitch.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Heitinga started all seven of the Netherlands’ matches at the 2010 World Cup on his way to winning 87 caps for his country, during which time he scored seven goals from the centre of defence.
He is also known to fans in England, having made 129 Premier League appearances for Everton and Fulham. The 39-year-old also had spells with Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Hertha Berlin before retiring in 2016. He now manages Ajax’s under-21 side.
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