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June 19 – David Beckham has described the moment he was confronted by an irate fan who walked unchallenged into the England team’s World Cup dressing room minutes after a visit by Princes William and Harry.
Beckham would not disclose what the man said but stressed it was not a comment on the team’s performance against Algeria last night that prompted boos from disgruntled supporters after a disappointing goalless draw.
The former England captain played down the security lapse that allowed the fan into the dressing room, saying it had been “blown out of all proportion”, although the Football Association made an official complaint about the incident.
Beckham made his comments came during an FA reception in Johannesburg attended by William and Harry and a host of former stars, including former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Manchester City player Patrick Vieira, as well as several members of the FIFA Executive Committee,who were being courted by members of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Beckham, who gave a joint interview with the Royals, said about the incident: “Luckily it was after the Princes had left – five to 10 minutes after.
“Obviously it’s been blown out of all proportion as well.
“The actual fan literally just walked in very casually and just said something to me and then walked out – there was no scuffle, there was no aggression at all.”
Asked what was said, Harry interjected, laughing: “A personal conversation,” and Beckham agreed: “It was a very personal conversation.”
Beckham added: “He didn’t comment on the performance, he literally walked in, said ‘hello’.”
Again one of the Princes interrupted the footballer, with William joking the incident was all down to them.
“Harry and I left the door open, that’s why it happened, it was our fault.”