Madrid - England captain David Beckham, sent off in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Valencia in the Spanish Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, claims Spanish referees are tougher than match officials in the English Premiership.

"I didn't think it was deserved because I was running back and I just clipped his ankle as I ran back with him," he said afterwards.

"There are things you can get away with in the Premier League that you can't do here. I wouldn't have got sent off in England, but I have no qualms with the referee, it's his decision."

The former Manchester United star was sent off for two yellow cards but he said he did not know what the first yellow was for.
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