There were more accusations of favoritism in Europe on Friday as Sevilla coach Juande Ramos criticized the Spain’s soccer federation for lifting the yellow card Real Madrid’s David Beckham received at Athletic Bilbao last Sunday that would have seen him suspended for this Sunday’s crucial battle against his club. In Bilbao, Becks was booked for time-wasting prior to taking a free kick late in the second half. Real Madrid argued that the player was only seeking 10 yards from the Athletic defenders, as was his right. At that point, the Merengues were winning, 3-0, with just 15 minutes remaining. The match finished 4-1 to Real.
“The rules … in Spain are a joke and are not really worth talking about,” Ramos said. “They punish the rest of the teams with yellow cards for wasting time, all except Real Madrid. It always benefits the same teams.” The yellow card would have been Beckham’s 10th of the season, which would have resulted in a suspension for Real’s next match, which is at home to second-place Sevilla on Sunday.
Madrid, on the other hand, was obviously very happy to see the player made available for such an important match. “It’s good news, since it’s important he plays because we need his talent,” striker Ruud van Nistelrooy said Friday. “We’re very happy for that.”