Beckham escapes FA booking charge

Beckham apologises over tackle

England skipper David Beckham has escaped disciplinary action for his deliberate yellow card against Wales.

The Football Association decided there was "insufficient evidence" to charge the Real Madrid star with disrepute but "reminded him of his responsibilities".

Beckham faced losing the captaincy or a fine after admitting he deliberately fouled Wales defender Ben Thatcher.

The booking meant he was suspended against Azerbaijan, a game he was missing anyway with a broken rib.

David Beckham has been reminded of his responsibilities and the rules of conduct he is expected to adhere to Football Association statement

An FA statement said: "The Football Association has written to David Beckham in relation to the incident that led to his yellow card against Wales on 9 October and subsequent comments attributed to him in a national newspaper.

"Following due process under the FA's disciplinary regulations, the FA's compliance department has reviewed all the available information and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to pursue a disciplinary charge.

"However, David Beckham has been reminded of his responsibilities and the rules of conduct he is expected to adhere to both as an England player and as captain.

"The FA now considers this matter to be closed."

If it had been any other player it would barely have been reported From Laurit Zenc Have your say on 606

Fifa have also announced they will not take any action against Beckham despite president Sepp Blatter voicing his disappointment at his actions last week.

A spokesman said: "As was made clear by Sepp Blatter last week, this matter is being left to the FA to deal with. FIFA will not take any action."

Beckham caused controversy when he admitted to a national newspaper: "It was deliberate. I am sure some people think that I have not got the brains to be that clever, but I do have the brains.

"I could feel the injury. So I fouled Thatcher. It was deliberate. I knew straight away I had broken my ribs. I have done it before. I knew I will be out for a few weeks, so I thought 'Let's get the yellow card out of the way'."

His actions brought criticism from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who indicated that an apology from the Real Madrid star would not be sufficient.

Academy: Beckham's free-kick masterclass