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Beckham off as Real lose

24/10/2005

Real Madrid star David Beckham has picked up his second red card of the month for sarcastically applauding the referee during his side's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Valencia.

The England captain was initially yellow carded by Arturo Dauden Ibanez after he debated the awarding of a free-kick for a foul committed by team-mate Raul.

But Beckham then reacted in frustration by clapping his hands at the caution which prompted the referee to issue a second card and a subsequent red, the sixth of the former Manchester United player's career.

The incident bears striking resemblance to the manner in which Wayne Rooney got sent off by referee Kim Milton Nielsen during United's Champions League clash with Villarreal earlier this month.

Rooney was widely castigated for his petulant outburst but Beckham, who was also dismissed recently for England in the World Cup qualifying game with Poland, has managed to avoid such widespread criticism.

Madrid boss Wanderley Luxemburgo, who also saw midfielder Thomas Gravesen sent off meaning his side finished with just nine men, refused to either condemn or support Beckham's red card.

"I wasn't next to Beckham on the pitch so I can't say what he did and Gravesen's was a foul from behind," the Brazilian coach said.

"I don't like to complain about referees. We have lost more than a game, we have lost two players."

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