David Beckham sent off for PSG - just six minutes after coming on as a substitute

Leonardo has called the decision 'unfair'

Pa
Monday 29 April 2013 06:02 EDT
Comments
David Beckham in action for PSG
David Beckham in action for PSG (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo felt David Beckham was unlucky to be sent off in the closing stages of last night's 1-0 Ligue 1 win at Evian.

The former England captain was shown a straight red card in the last minute - six minutes after being introduced - for a dangerous lunge on Youssef Adnane, meaning PSG ended the game with nine men following the earlier dismissal of Marco Verratti.

But Leonardo claimed after the game that Beckham had been the victim of an error by match official Olivier Thual.

"The referee lacked lucidity," the Brazilian told Le Parisien.

"He made mistakes. The red card shown to Beckham, for example, was really unfair.

"It was always a very tense match. Nobody wanted to lose - especially not Evian, who are struggling to stay up.

"I also believe that our team is really tired at the end of the season."

Evian striker Saber Khelifa and PSG goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu were involved in an altercation which saw both also red-carded as skirmishes ensued after the full-time whistle.

"I did not see much of the fight," Leonardo added.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "There was a little scuffle, I do not know, I was not there."

During the match, Javier Pastore's 50th-minute goal proved decisive as PSG re-established their nine-point advantage over second-placed Marseille with four games left.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in