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FA ask Beckham for "observations"
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-16 11:18

The Football Association said on Friday it had written to England captain David Beckham "asking for his observations" on the events at last weekend's World Cup qualifier against Wales and his subsequent comments.


England's David Beckham is booked by referee Terje Hauge of Norway, following a tackle on Wales' Ben Thatcher during their FIFA World Cup qualifying soccer game at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Saturday Oct. 9 2004.[AP]
Beckham admitted he fouled Welsh defender Ben Thatcher in a deliberate and successful attempt to get himself booked in order to serve out a one-match suspension for Wednesday's win in Azerbaijan while injured.

He had suffered a cracked rib in a challenge with Thatcher minutes earlier which he said he knew would rule him out of the game.

There was widespread criticism of his actions, though coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's only complaint was that his captain should have kept quiet about it.

The FA responded on Friday asking for Beckham's observations on:

"The incident involving Ben Thatcher during last Saturday's World Cup qualifying match against Wales, which resulted in him receiving a yellow card.

"The motivation which led to him making the challenge which incurred a caution.

"Subsequent comments attributed to him which were published in a national newspaper on Tuesday October 12."

The FA has given Beckham a week to respond.

Friday's newspapers carried quotes from Eriksson saying his captain should have kept quiet.

"I think on this occasion that David should think next time that talking is silver, being quiet is gold," Eriksson said.

"He was sorry for the problem he had created, he was surprised at the big reaction. And he was sorry for me and for the team. He apologised and wished us all good luck."

As for possible repercussions, Eriksson said: "I don't know if the FA or FIFA are going to do anything. For me it's finished."

England's next game is a November 17 friendly against Spain in Madrid, while the Group Six leaders continue their qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup in March away to Northern Ireland.



 
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