The British media proved unanimous in their condemnation of David Beckham after he was sent-off during Manchester United's clash against Necaxa at the Maracana stadium.

Here, News Online rounds up the reaction to Beckham's rash challenge on Jose Milian.

Lee Clayton, Daily Star:
"When Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo held up his card, it was thoroughly deserved for an act of thuggery and lunacy."

Henry Winter, Daily Telegraph:
"Beckham's right foot stretched out, bent and then straightened as if to gain extra momentum, and crashed studs-first into the Mexican defender."

Neil Custis, The Sun:
"His outrageous 42nd minute assault on Jose Mulian cost his club at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil... quite why he launched a kung-fu kick at the player's thigh in a supposed challenge for a bouncing ball only he will know."

Oliver Holt, The Times:
"Shame and humiliation have been strangers to David Beckham in the 18 months since his sending off for England... When he returned to the global stage last night, though, they assailed him again when he was sent off for a vicious high tackle."

Martin Lipton, Daily Mail:
"Where Beckham had reason to complain about his fate in France, he could not argue this time as he disgraced himself with an ugly, studs-first lunge on midfielder Jose Milian."

Martin Samuel, The Express:
"Beckham was sent off for a diabolically reckless tackle... (His) misdemeanour was clear-cut. A late, high challenge which could have seriously hurt his opponent."

Glenn Moore, Independent:
"It looked ugly and was probably painful but did not appear vindictive."

Jon Brodkin, The Guardian
"It seemed he might be taming his tendency to self-destruct but the old problems surfaced again."

David Anderson, Press Association:
"(United) will have few complaints when they see the television replays of what was a crass and stupid challenge."