David Beckham says he totally understands Melbourne Victory's controversial decision to rest Harry Kewell for the LA Galaxy exhibition match.
Kewell was pulled out of Tuesday night's match despite being 100 per cent fit - the Victory preferring to rest him for their hugely important A-League clash with Adelaide United this weekend.
While ticket holders expecting a Beckham versus Kewell showdown at Docklands would have been disappointed, Victory fans will almost certainly support coach Mehmet Durakovic's decision to a man.
Asking Kewell to play three games in seven days would have been fraught with danger, especially given the 33-year-old Socceroo has only just returned from a hamstring injury.
Kewell said he wanted to play the match, which the Galaxy won 4-3 on penalties, but was held back.
But Beckham said he had no doubt it was the right call, having heard about the importance of Saturday night's match between two A-League clubs expected to be doing far better this season.
"I'm sure the fans were a little bit disappointed because they wanted to see Harry play, but Victory have got important games, big games," Beckham said.
"As much as you want to please everybody, it's important he's fit for the league games and I hope none of their other players got injuries."
The Victory were unrepentant about their decision not to play Kewell - made public just an hour before kickoff - and hosed down speculation he was also in doubt for the Adelaide United match.
They also substituted star striker Archie Thompson, captain Adrian Leijer and goalkeeper Ante Covic at half-time in the Galaxy match.
Along with Kewell, regulars Leigh Broxham, Billy Celeski and defender Fabio were also left out of Tuesday night's match altogether.
Both the Victory and Adelaide sit outside the top six, and the losers can expect plenty of heat as their season would be left on thin ice.
AAP
Tags: soccer, a-league, melbourne-3000, vic, australia, united-states First posted December 07, 2011 06:47:10
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