Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello defended David Beckham after the midfielder was sent off in the 0-0 home draw with Real Betis in the Primera Liga on Saturday.
The former England captain lost his cool after being dispossessed in the Betis area, chasing back and lunging into a challenge from behind on Isidro.
"We have had little help from referees this year. It was a foul in favour of Beckham (moments before) and I think the referee was a little quick to flash a red card," Capello told reporters.
"I've seen it on television and I don't think it merited a red
card."
It was Beckham's fifth dismissal with Madrid and the eighth
of his career.
Capello brought the former Manchester United player back into the team last weekend when he scored in the 2-1 win at Real Sociedad.
The Italian had banished Beckham to the stands early in January after he announced he was joining Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season.
Once again Madrid left the field to whistles from an angry crowd who have seen only one goal in four home league matches.
The draw means that Madrid remain third in La Liga with 42 points, one behind second-placed Sevilla who host Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Leaders Barcelona, on 46 points, visit fourth-placed Valencia on Sunday.
In Saturday's late game, sixth-placed Real Zaragoza defeated Villarrael 1-0 thanks to a goal from Diego Milito.
In related news, The Football Association insist there is "no truth whatsoever" in a report claiming England manager Steve McClaren asked England's senior players for their opinion on whether he should hand David Beckham a recall.
A Sunday newspaper report claimed McClaren is considering including the 31-year-old former England skipper in his squad for the vital Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel on March 24.
But McClaren said on Wednesday he had no plans to speak to Beckham although he has also said in the past that he would never close the door on any player regarding selection.
The FA stressed today that McClaren has not consulted players on
the
possibility of a recall for Beckham.
FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "I have spoken to Steve McClaren regarding this story and he is categoric that there is no truth whatsoever in this."
Beckham stood down as England captain on July 2 of last year after England's exit from the World Cup finals and on August 11 McClaren dropped him from the England squad for friendly against Greece, his first match as manager.
