David Beckham once caused a controversy, by admitting he intentionally got himself yellow-carded during an England match, to serve his suspension while he was injured. With the MLS All-Star Game approaching, Beckham may have done so again.

Beckham was one yellow card away from suspension. Taking a free kick with seconds remaining and a 1-0 lead, Beckham suddenly began berating the referee after Columbus Crew defenders inched forward beyond the approved 10 yards. His egregious, silly reaction got him carded. He was suspended for the next match. Looking at the Galaxy’s schedule, the suspension was remarkably convenient.

The match was on July 20. Beckham will play against Man CIty in the World Football Challenge on July 24 and the MLS All-Star Game on July 27 (both exhibitions he can half-ass his way through). Instead of rejoining the team in Vancouver for a rough turnaround on July 30, he won’t have to play again until Aug. 3. That’s 13 days without a competitive match and six days off after the All-Star Game, the sort of thing one might want at age 36 and having just had a child. Hmm…

[Video via 101 GG]