pte20050726050 Bauen/Wohnen

Japan's win over Real Madrid overshadowed by Beckham tiff


Tokyo (pte050/26.07.2005/16:40) Real Madrid http://www.realmadrid.com conceded a 3-0 loss to Tokyo Verdy, a shock for many fans, but what got more publicity was Beckham's minor skirmish with Kazuyuki Toda.

The feud began in the first quarter and continued into the second half, before which Beckham and team-mates Ronaldo and Michel Salgado reportedly tried to force their way into the Verdy changing room.

Beckham explained: "It was only handbags, just a few words were exchanged, nothing more."

"Toda spat in my face," the 30-year-old said. "That in life is horrible but in football, no players like that. Our players saw it and weren't happy about it."

Real's boss Wanderley Luxemburgo alleged that Toda provoked Beckham.

"Toda was very dirty," said the Brazilian. "He kicked Beckham when the ref wasn't looking. At half-time some of the players got over-excited."

The Japanese media was not amused, the Nikkan Sports daily writing that the entire Real Madrid squad had "lost their natural selves".

Toda maintains that he didn't attempt to rile Beckham, and denied spitting at him. "Beckham kicked me and I swore at him," Toda said. "Some spit flew but it didn't hit him. That's why he got angry I think."

The game against Japan was Real's fourth game of a six-match pre-season tour, and their first defeat.

The team will take on J-League side Jubilo Iwata on Wednesday, and end their tour in Thailand.

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