Beckham Sent Off For Petulance

David Beckham was sent off last night for sarcastically applauding the referee in Real Madrids match versus Valencia. The football icon is now expected to miss Wednsdays trip to Deportivo due to suspension. The sending off was extremley similar to Wayne Rooneys dismissal in Man Utd's champions league clash against Villareal last month. That was also for applauding the referee after a caution - and Rooney's came shortly after Beckham publicly criticised him for losing his temper with a referee during an England game.

Beckham has been in good form of late for Real but his position as England captain has been questioned. There have been ever-growing claims that Chelsea skipper should take over the role, and there have even been suggestions that Shaun Wright Phillips should take Beckhams place on the right of the England midfield.

The incident occured with just three minutes of time remaining and with Madrid already down to ten-men after the sending off of Thomas Gravesen.

The ex-Everton man saw red after a reckless challenge on Vicente Rodriguez, eight minutes before time.

Jonathan Woodgate did not feature in the squad as Sergio Ramos took hisplace at the back following his European debut on Wednesday in which he and Beckham scored in order to contribute to the 4-1 win over Norwegian Champions, Rosenburg.