Beckham suspended for one game

July 06, 2012 | 10:03
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Former England midfielder David Beckham was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer on Thursday for his actions in and after a loss last weekend.

David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy (top) battles for control of the ball with Justin Morrow of the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half of their MLS soccer game at Stanford Stadium on June 30, in Palo Alto, California. Beckham was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer on Thursday for his actions in and after a loss last weekend. (AFP Photo/Thearon W. Henderson)

Los Angeles Galaxy star Beckham was banned by the MLS disciplinary committee for Sunday's match at Chicago for confrontational and provocative behavior during and just after a 4-3 loss at San Jose on June 30.

"The committee considered his conduct unacceptable and detrimental to the league's public image," MLS said in a statement.

MLS also imposed a fine of an undisclosed sum to Galaxy coach Bruce Arena for public criticism of officiating.

Beckham, 37, had said last week that he was disappointed at having been left off the British football squad that will compete in the London Olympics starting later this month.

In the final moments of last weekend's match against the Earthquakes, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had a notable outburst.

Beckham began shouting at and shoving rival players and nearby punched the San Jose club's comic-costumed mascot before being restrained.

During the match, Beckham drew a yellow card after kicking the ball toward an injured player.

AFP

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