Referee Howard Webb has been roundly criticised for not showing De Jong a red card for his woeful chest-high tackle on Xabi Alonso during the first-half of Spain's 1-0 win.
The incident has been viewed as the height of the thuggish tactics that were employed by Holland in a bid to stop their opponents' stylish passing game.
"Yes, I was concerned it might be worse than a yellow," said De Jong.
"It looked worse, although to be honest I didn't see the opponent coming in from the side.
"I was really focused on the ball and I caught him on his chest. It was a bit curious but he gave the yellow card so for me it was a little bit of luck."
Source: PA
Source: PA