Capello hits out again at Beckham

Fabio Capello, the Real Madrid coach, has had another dig at departing midfielder David Beckham as Real Madrid's season hit a new low with a shock 1-0 home defeat to third-bottom Levante last night.

Beckham, who is leaving for a big-money deal with Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, missed his sixth successive match since being exiled from the team following his decision to leave the Bernabeu.

However, despite not playing since a defeat on 7 January the former England captain is still coming in for criticism from Capello. "He [Beckham] has been here three years and the results have not been good," said Capello, whose side slipped five points behind leaders Barcelona in the league. "We are trying a new line-up, and I am waiting for important players [to return from injury]. I am convinced by my decisions. For example, he [Beckham] played against Depor and we lost."

Capello stated last month that Beckham would not play for the team again following the former England captain's announcement he would be leaving Madrid for LA. The Italian coach later softened that stance.

Last night, irate Real fans chanted for Capello and the club president, Ramon Calderon, to step down. Real have now lost four of their past six league games.

Seville missed a great chance to go top when they were held to a goalless draw at home by Real Sociedad.

Barcelona were held 0-0, by Osasuna, last night but retained their one-point lead.