Red-carded Beckham hits out at MLS refereeing standard

Los Angeles, Aug 17 (ANI): Los Angeles Galaxy footballer David Beckham has hit out at the standard of Major League Soccer (MLS) refereeing after getting a red card for the ninth time in his career.

Beckham was shown a straight red after just 17 minutes for a studs-up challenge on Seattle's Peter Vagenas, which he insists was not a malicious tackle.

"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," The Sun quoted Beckham, as saying.

"I've never gone into a tackle wanting to hurt someone, but the referee saw it differently," he added.

Ricardo Salazar, referee in question, dished out three reds and four yellows during the game as the Sounders won 2-0 to end LA's six-game unbeaten streak.

Salazar also dismissed Seattle's Tyrone Marshall for two bookable offences and showed LA's Eddie Lewis a straight red for a foul. (ANI)