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I was a mess – David Beckham lays bare pain he suffered after World Cup red card
I was a mess – David Beckham lays bare pain he suffered after World Cup red card
David Beckham has revealed he still cannot forgive himself for the abuse his family suffered amid the fallout from his red card at the 1998 World Cup, which left him a “mess”. A new Netflix documentary series titled ‘Beckham’ is set for release on Wednesday, looking back on the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder’s career as well as his marriage to Spice Girls singer and fashion designer Victoria. In episode two, titled ‘Seeing Red’, Beckham, now 48, reflected on the “stupid mistake” which changed his life after he was sent off for kicking the back of Diego Simeone’s leg during the last-16 clash against Argentina in Saint-Etienne. England went on to lose after a penalty shootout and Beckham found himself centre of a backlash – including a pub hanging up an effigy of the midfielder, who received a hostile reception from rival fans around the country when he returned to action for United the following season. In the documentary, Victoria Beckham said the continued abuse left her husband “absolutely clinically depressed” as the then 23-year-old tried to deal with the fallout alongside becoming a father for the first time in March 1999. Beckham admitted the saga “took a toll on me that I never knew myself”. He said: “I wish there was a pill you could take which could erase certain memories. I made a stupid mistake. It changed my life. “We were in America (on holiday after the World Cup), just about to have our first baby, and I thought, ‘we will be fine. In a day or two people will have forgotten’.” Beckham added: “I don’t think I have ever talked about it, just because I can’t. I find it hard to talk through what I went through because it was so extreme. “Wherever I went, I got abused every single day – to walk down the street and to see people look at you in a certain way, spit at you, abuse you, come up to your face and say some of the things they said, that is difficult. “I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t sleeping. I was a mess. I didn’t know what to do.” When I have gone through difficult moments, I was able to block it out, but inside it killed me David Beckham Beckham added: “It brought a lot of attention that I would never wish on anyone, let alone my parents, and I can’t forgive myself for that. “That is the tough part of what happened, because I was the one that made the mistake. “It is only now that I am 47 years old, it is now that I beat myself up about it (still). “When I have gone through difficult moments, I was able to block it out, but inside it killed me.” Beckham spoke of the support he received from then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the club as he looked to focus on his football. “That was the only thing I could control – once I was on the pitch, then I felt safe,” Beckham said. “Anytime I was kicked during that season, it was like the (opposition team) had got two goals.” Beckham added: “As horrible as it was to look up to Victoria in the stand (getting that abuse), it was the one thing which spurred me on.” The Netflix documentary also charts Beckham’s triumphant end to the 1998-99 season, which culminated with United having won the Premier League, FA Cup and a memorable Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Barcelona. With Paul Scholes and Roy Keane suspended, Beckham played an integral role in United’s comeback win, which was secured by two goals in stoppage time. Reflecting on the match, Ferguson said: “With David, that night there was something inside him saying, ‘I am not going to let this happen’. It was a personal thing that he had in him, that stubbornness and determination.” Beckham’s former United and England team-mate Gary Neville was an executive producer of the Netflix documentary. Neville recalled the way he and Beckham were “absolutely destroying teams” down the right flank for United. “He was with his crossing. I was supporting him in a way which was to be fair, I would say I was a side dish really. Not the beef. I was the mustard on the side,” Neville said. “I was subservient because I needed David to go and do something magical. He was practicing free-kicks and I was practicing throw-ins.” Neville added: “It was telepathic on the pitch. Off the pitch as well, I knew where he was in his mind – it was not enough for him, he wanted to be more than a football player.”
2023-10-02 07:19
Nationals hit season-high 5 home runs, overpower Braves 10-6
Nationals hit season-high 5 home runs, overpower Braves 10-6
Carter Kieboom, Jake Alu, Kibert Ruiz, Dominic Smith and Lane Thomas homered to help the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 10-6 on Friday night
2023-09-30 11:24
Jenni Hermoso not included in Spain’s first squad since winning Women’s World Cup
Jenni Hermoso not included in Spain’s first squad since winning Women’s World Cup
The majority of Spain’s World Cup winning team – although with the notable exception of Jenni Hermoso – have been selected for upcoming fixtures against Sweden and Switzerland, but it remains unclear whether the players have ended their international boycott following the resignation of Luis Rubiales. Last week, a group of 39 players released an open letter demanding further changes at the Spanish Football Association before they would return to international duty, after their World Cup triumph in Sydney was overshadowed by the fallout that followed Rubiales’ unsolicited kiss on the lips of forward Hermoso. Spain’s World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was replaced amid the furore, with newly-appointed coach Montse Tome announcing her first squad since taking charge. Her selection included 15 of the 23 players who were in their World Cup squad, as well as two star players, Barcelona’s Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, who had boycotted the tournament after previously voicing concerns over playing conditions. Tome would not reveal whether she had spoken to the players before she made her selection, which comes ahead of Spain’s match against Sweden on Friday. However, the coach explained that Hermoso had not been selected because it was the “best way to protect her” following the events that followed Spain’s 1-0 win against England in the World Cup final on 20 August. The core of Spain’s World Cup-winning team have been called up, which includes 21 of the 39 players who signed an open letter demanding further changes following the exits of Rubiales and Vilda. An original group of 81 players had initiated the boycott in response to Rubiales’ unwanted kiss of the lips of Hermoso in Sydney. Rubiales only resigned on 10 September, after Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against him for alleged sexual assault. Read More Spain’s World Cup players to continue boycott despite Luis Rubiales’ resignation Spain players demand FA overhaul and continue national team boycott Watch Luis Rubiales arrive at Spanish court over Women’s World Cup kiss
2023-09-19 04:22
Serhou Guirassy release clause revealed amid Premier League interest
Serhou Guirassy release clause revealed amid Premier League interest
West Ham and Brentford target Serhou Guirassy will be available for around £15.2m during the January transfer window due to a release clause attached to his contract, 90min understands.
2023-10-26 02:59
Pep Guardiola wants to keep ‘irreplaceable’ Kyle Walker at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola wants to keep ‘irreplaceable’ Kyle Walker at Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has pledged to fight to keep the “irreplaceable” Kyle Walker after an approach from Bayern Munich. Walker’s place in the side became less secure in last season’s treble-winning campaign as a new system was introduced which often involved fielding four centre-backs with one stepping into a midfield role in possession. He still made 39 appearances but did not start the Champions League final win against Inter Milan and speculation soon began about a potential move to the Bundesliga champions. Guardiola insists he wants to retain the 33-year-old, whose contract expires next summer, saying: “He’s an incredibly important player for us. He has specific qualities, so difficult to find worldwide. His specific qualities are irreplaceable. “We want him, yes. In the end, I don’t know what will happen. I know we’re in contact, both clubs, we will fight for him like I’m sure Bayern will do it. I don’t know how it will finish.” By coincidence the two sides will meet each other in a pre-season friendly in Tokyo on Wednesday. At a pre-match press conference Guardiola was asked whether Walker would play in the game and he added: “He’s our player. We need to play against Bayern, we need the best players, why should he not play?” We will fight for him like I'm sure Bayern will do. Pep Guardiola on Kyle Walker After last season’s success there has been a significant change behind the scenes with Guardiola’s two assistant managers Rodolfo Borrell and Enzo Maresca departing. Long-term lieutenant Borrell joined MLS side Austin FC as sporting director while Maresca has taken over as manager of relegated Leicester. “We are looking to have some people to help us but I have enough quality in the (backroom) team and so far it is okay,” said Guardiola. “I have in mind a few people but I cannot say more.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-07-25 22:23
How Barcelona nearly signed Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo
How Barcelona nearly signed Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo
Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo nearly ended up joining Barcelona when first making the move to Europe, agent Andre Cury has revealed. The wingers have gone on to become star players at the Santiago Bernabeu.
2023-07-13 22:20
James Maddison withdraws from England duty – only hours after Gareth Southgate named him in squad
James Maddison withdraws from England duty – only hours after Gareth Southgate named him in squad
James Maddison has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury, less than 24 hours after Gareth Southgate selected him for two upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. The 26-year-old Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was taken off during the first half of Spurs’ 4-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Monday with an ankle injury, and his club have now confirmed he is unavailable for England’s last two qualifiers, at home to Malta on 17 November and away to North Macedonia on 20 November. Southgate had sounded confident that Maddison would be available despite some “doubt”, suggesting that he was withdrawn from the Chelsea game as a precaution while Spurs struggled with only 10 players following the sending off of defender Cristian Romero. “He seems positive,” Southgate had told reporters on Thursday afternoon. “There’s clearly an element of doubt. But I think at the time of the decision [substitution against Chelsea], they had just gone to 10 [players], maybe the manager was thinking, ‘I’ve got a player who might have a knock and we’ve only got 10 players anyway’.” Maddison’s withdrawal points to the challenge for Southgate of getting accurate injury updates from clubs, something he had bemoaned immediately after naming his squad, when he suggested Newcastle’s Callum Wilson was the player most at risk of missing out through injury. “You would be amazed at how complicated it is picking a squad because all clubs are sensitive to information. I couldn’t be certain that everyone in that squad will be there on Sunday night and Callum Wilson is the biggest doubt, but equally I am pretty confident the others can get through.” Spurs said in a statement that Maddison would continue his rehabilitation at their Hotspur Way training centre under the supervision of club medical staff. England sealed qualification for next summer’s Euros in Germany in their last qualifier, a 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley last month. Read More Gareth Southgate ponders defensive options ahead of naming latest England squad Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Spurs went down with flag held high but loss hurts a lot Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace
2023-11-10 17:16
Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown are setting their sights on the NFL receiving record
Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown are setting their sights on the NFL receiving record
The way Tyreek Hill and A
2023-11-01 22:25
MLB Rumors: Insiders link Paul Goldschmidt to contending NL team
MLB Rumors: Insiders link Paul Goldschmidt to contending NL team
Should the St. Louis Cardinals deal first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a great potential fit for the reigning NL MVP would have to be the Philadelphia Phillies, per the latest MLB Rumors.If the St. Louis Cardinals are selling off intriguing assets such as Paul Goldschmidt, then the Philadelphia Phi...
2023-06-24 22:20
Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy Man Utd stake after Sheikh Jassim withdraws from takeover race
Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy Man Utd stake after Sheikh Jassim withdraws from takeover race
Sheikh Jassim has withdrawn from his bid to buy Man Utd from the Glazer family.
2023-10-15 03:53
Who is Markel Aristis? Search continues for 15-year-old boy who went missing while swimming with brother at Coney Island Beach
Who is Markel Aristis? Search continues for 15-year-old boy who went missing while swimming with brother at Coney Island Beach
Markel Aristis was reportedly playing in the waves with his brother Aaron Aristis, 16, in a swimming-inhibited area on West 22nd Street Beach
2023-07-30 17:29
Max Verstappen sets the pace again but little to cheer for Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen sets the pace again but little to cheer for Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen completed a practice double for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton finished only 11th on a disheartening day for the seven-time world champion and his Mercedes team. As Verstappen predictably set the pace for Red Bull at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, Hamilton, 12th in the day’s first running, ended second practice six tenths off the pace. Home favourite Fernando Alonso raised hope that he could challenge Verstappen and his all-conquering Red Bull team after he finished second for Aston Martin, just 0.170 seconds back. Nico Hulkenberg was an impressive third for Haas, with Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez fourth. Hamilton admitted on Thursday that Mercedes’ much-anticipated upgrade, which made its debut in Monaco a week ago, had not provided the magic fix he was hoping for. And on his new machine’s second outing, at a track where the Silver Arrows said they would obtain a greater understanding of their upgrades, the evidence suggests they are no closer to taking on the mighty Red Bull, or indeed, leapfrogging rivals Aston Martin and Ferrari. Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell finished eighth, half-a-second off the pace. Russell also came within inches of a nasty accident with Oscar Piastri after he was blocked by the rookie McLaren driver. Russell was forced to take evasive action, running off the road and into the gravel. “Who the f*** was that in the McLaren,” said the usually mild-mannered Briton as he limped through the sandtrap. Verstappen has been in a class of one for the past 18 months and his dominance continued on Friday. A day after he made the ominous prediction that Red Bull could win all 16 remaining races this year, Verstappen finished seven tenths faster than anyone else in the opening running before returning to the top of the timesheets for the day’s final action. Alonso’s home race this weekend marks the 10th anniversary of his 32nd and last win in the sport. However, the Spaniard is enjoying a career resurgence following his transfer from Alpine to Aston Martin, finishing on the podium at five of the first six races, and emerging as a possible threat to Verstappen. Five days after he finished on the podium in Monaco, Esteban Ocon was fifth for Alpine, three tenths back, with the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz sixth and seventh respectively. British driver Lando Norris finished 14th for McLaren, two places behind his rookie team-mate Piastri. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lewis Hamilton toils in 12th as Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominate in Spain Fernando Alonso: Hamilton can win eighth title but Verstappen can break records Fernando Alonso: Aston Martin ‘will not give up’ in push for F1 triumph
2023-06-03 00:45