Real Have No Problem With Beckham's Cameo

Real Madrid have backed David Beckham, saying he did nothing wrong by staying on the pitch for the first three minutes of Martin Keown's testimonial on Monday.

Beckham was allowed to take the kick-off at Highbury but had been expected to leave the field imediately afterwards.

But the England captain stayed on the pitch and had six more touches of the ball.

Some interpreted that as a sign of defiance against Real, increasing speculation that Beckham could leave Madrid in the summer.

However, real spokeswoman Martha Dominguez said: "We've no problem with Beckham playing for three minutes for a friend."

She added: "It would have been different if he had played the whole game."

In a party atmosphere at Highbury, the Arsenal XI beat an England XI 6-0, although man-of-the-moment Keown missed a penalty.

Keown's spot-kick, as well as his effort from the rebound, was saved by Norwich goalkeeper Robert Green, who was playing for the England team.

Beckham received warm applause from the capacity crowd for his brief contribution.

Before the match the Highbury announcer told the crowd:

"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 was sent off for Real against Murcia 24 hours before Keown's match and there is continued speculation that he will return to England - and London - in the summer.

England Euro 2004 squad members John Terry, Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole played for the first 45 minutes at Highbury, while Joe Cole played the second half.

French internationals Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira started, but were withdrawn after 10 minutes as they are in action for France against Brazil this week.

Others who guested for Keown's big night included former Gunners Paul Davis, Michael Thomas, Marc Overmars and Ian Wright, as well as Wright's son Shaun Wright-Phillips, Paul Gascoigne, Ledley King, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Fowler, Chris Powell, John Salako and Andy Cole.

Ashley Cole opened the scoring with a deft back heel, and Jeremie Aliadiere scored a brace either side of a Jose Antonio Reyes hat-trick.

Afterwards, Keown, who will be 38 in July, paid tribute to the sell-out Highbury crowd.

He said: "Even at the end of a long career you still cannot sense that your efforts for the team have made you part of the club's immense history."

"But the response I have had from supporters at tonight's sell-out game - and I was honestly worried that no-one would come - made me understand that I have been part of the club's history."

"I want to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart for coming to the game and for all the magnificent support they have given me over the 12 seasons I have played for Arsenal."