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Referee Nielsen sends off Beckham, books Simeone after push

9/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Danish referee Nielsen sent off David Beckham in the World Cup Argentina-England match.
Nielsen also booked Argentina coach Diego Simeone after Simeone pushed Beckham.
Nielsen said changing a decision out of fear of headlines would have destroyed his integrity.
In February 2005, Nielsen became the first referee to reach 50 Champions League appearances.
Nielsen began refereeing in Copenhagen in 1976 and retired in 2006.

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Story summary

Danish referee Nielsen sent off David Beckham in the World Cup Argentina-England match.
Nielsen also booked Argentina coach Diego Simeone after Simeone pushed Beckham.
Nielsen said changing a decision out of fear of headlines would have destroyed his integrity.
In February 2005, Nielsen became the first referee to reach 50 Champions League appearances.
Nielsen began refereeing in Copenhagen in 1976 and retired in 2006.