Real Madrid players have asked to end their
Asian Tour in advance to avoid further damage to the team's image.
A Spanish sports newspaper reported on Tuesday that the appeal came
after Real Madrid's humiliating 3-0 defeat by a low Japan League team a
day earlier.
Spanish media attributed the loss to the exhaustion of the players'
stamina. While Real coach Vanderlei Luxembourgo complained 'Some of
their players were very dirty especially the number six Toda. He kicked
Beckham when the referee wasn't looking.'
Star player Ronaldo blamed the lack of training during their Asian tour.
Real Madrid embarked on their world tour on July 14. They had played two
games in the United States and beat China's Beijing Hyundai 3-2 Saturday
night. They are expected to play another game in Japan and one more in
Thailand before they can wind up the world tour.