Real Madrid coach: Nothing sinister behind Gravesen hook

Real Madrid coach Juan Roman Lopez Caro dismissed media claims that he substituted Thomas Gravesen in yesterday's 4-0 win over Espanyol because of fears he would be sent-off.
 
The Dane has complained bitterly that he is being targeted by referees and opposition players, which fueled talk in the media gallery yesterday that Lopez Caro has concerns over the midfielder's on-field discipline.

Gravesen was taken off at halftime, but the Real coach said: "As I've always said, these internal matters are for me to work through."

"But Gravesen had good a first-half and I decided to replace him, nothing else. There is no other reason. Now we must think day to day."