Real Mallorca boss Hector Cuper has hit out at defender Sergio Ballesteros.
Real Mallorca boss Hector Cuper has hit out at defender Sergio Ballesteros following his sending off against Real Madrid.The towering defender saw red after receiving a second caution for a slap on England skipper David Beckham.
Ballesteros claimed last week his indiscretion was retaliation for a stamp from Beckham moments earlier that went unseen.
However, despite his protestations about Beckham, Cuper has now publicly lambasted his player, claiming his ill-discipline is costing the club dear.
"I can never justify aggression," Cuper stated. "This is the second slap my defender has thrown in La Liga this season.
"Football is passionate, but not like that."
The Argentine coach admits he has held a meeting with Ballesteros in which he ordered the player to correct his ways on the pitch.
"It is necessary that he now responds well on the field because it is the club who is harmed the most," Cuper continued.
"If someone is provoked then the professional thing is not to respond.
"I understand that players get heated on the field, but if the referee did not give Beckham a card then my player can't take the law into his own hands."
