Beckham cameo is 'no problem' for Real Madrid

Real Madrid said they had "no problem" with David Beckham's three-minute appearance in Martin Keown's testimonial on Monday night.

Real Madrid said they had "no problem" with David Beckham's three-minute appearance in Martin Keown's testimonial on Monday night.

Before the game a statement was read out from Real which read: "It is with deepest regret that Real Madrid have refused permission for David to participate in this evening's game, so out of respect to Martin, David can regrettably only start this evening's game."

Beckham, 24 hours after he was sent off as the deposed Spanish champions were beaten 2-1 at Murcia, played for three minutes before being replaced by Paul Gascoigne.

Yesterday's Marca in Spain carried the headline: "What's Beckham playing at?"

Real Madrid offered an explanation. "We've no problem with Beckham playing for three minutes for a friend," a spokeswoman said. "It would have been different if he had played the whole game."

The Arsenal XI beat the England XI 6-0, despite Keown missing a penalty.