David Beckham’s time at the Los Angeles Galaxy continues to grow sour as he was sent off for the first time in MLS in Saturday night’s 2-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders FC.
Beckham was given a direct red card by referee Ricardo Salazar following his challenge on a 50-50 ball by Seattle and former Galaxy midfielder Peter Vagenas. Beckham hooked Vagenas’ right ankle and brought him down on the pitch, earning his first MLS red card and second ejection in league play.
Beckham said his tackle was nothing personal and did not warrant his ejection.
“Pete’s one of my best friends,” Beckham said. “I’ve never gone into one tackle wanting to hurt someone. It was a hard tackle but by no means a red card.”
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena disagreed.
“With the way he came in hard, I could see how the referee would determine it likely was a dangerous tackle,” Arena said. “When you throw yourself into that kind of tackle, there’s a chance you’re going to get sent off. (Beckham’s) been in enough rodeos to know that.”
The red card carries an automatic suspension that will force Beckham to miss Los Angeles’ match at Chicago on Wednesday.
Here is the tackle, do you think it is a red card offense?