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Kim Milton Nielsen’s 1998 memories: ‘Hey, you are the man who sent off Beckham’

The Guardian UK Monday 07 September 2026, 07:00 UTC By William Ralston 1 min read
Key Points

In an extract from a new book, the Danish former referee recalls sending off the England midfielder for his infamous kick on Diego SimeoneAt half-time on 30 June 1998, Kim Milton Nielsen stepped into the changing room at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne. The air reeked of wet towels. He hugged his assistants.

In an extract from a new book, the Danish former referee recalls sending off the England midfielder for his infamous kick on Diego Simeone

At half-time on 30 June 1998, Kim Milton Nielsen stepped into the changing room at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne. The air reeked of wet towels. He hugged his assistants. They’d just taken charge of the best half of football they’d ever officiated.

Argentina v England. World Cup round of 16. Michael Owen had terrorised Argentina with blistering runs and his breakout goal. A clever free-kick had outsmarted the English defence. Nielsen had awarded two penalties. He couldn’t wait for the second half, but he didn’t know what was coming.

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Kim Milton Nielsen (PERSON) Beckham’ (ORG) Danish (ORG) England (LOCATION) Diego SimeoneAt (ORG) the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium (LOCATION) Argentina (LOCATION) World Cup (EVENT) Michael Owen (PERSON) English (ORG) Nielsen (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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