David Beckham has added MLS refereeing to his long list of frustrations after receiving a straight red for a studs up tackle on Peter Vegenas in the Galaxy's 0-2 loss to Seattle on Saturday night.
"Pete's one of my best friends. It was a hard tackle but by no means a red card. But that's the inconsistency we have got with some of the officials in the league. I've never gone into a tackle wanting to hurt someone but the referee saw it differently."
Beckham's challenge merited a red card by the letter of the law, and while MLS officiating often leaves much to be desired, any complaint over the English star's objection seems ridiculous.
Beckham's manager, Bruce Arena, agreed.
"When you throw yourself into that kind of tackle there's a chance you're going to get sent off. He's been in enough rodeos to know that."
While interesting only to fans of MLS and ESPN suits who now have a nationally televised game on Wednesday night involving the Galaxy that won't feature Beckham on this side of the pond, the midfielder's red is a splashy headline back in his homeland.
The Sun never fails to entertain, and English tabloid's write up is worth a look.
Perhaps the oddest note on the night comes from Goal.com's Andrea Canales, as she goes into detail about boxer Vitali Klitschko's attendance of the match.
If you haven't seen the tackle, take a look and render your verdict. Worthy of a straight red?
