David Beckham was booed by Argentina fans when he appeared on the big screen as the temperature was raised before kick-off of England’s World Cup semi-final clash
David Beckham was booed by Argentina fans when he appeared on the big screen before kick off of the World Cup semi-final clash.
Ahead of England’s crunch semi-final tie against the old rival Argentina, the temperature was raised before kick-off when the Three Lions legend was shown in the ground.
Beckham has been spotted at England games so far this tournament and Golden Balls appeared again in Atlanta with Victoria by his side.
However, his history against Argentina is firmly remembered by the Argentines who booed him when he appeared on the big screen in the stadium ahead of kick-off.
Beckham was infamously sent off against Argentina in 1998 for a kick out on Diego Simeone before earning redemption from the penalty spot four years later.
As reported by The Athletic, Beckham’s face was met by boos before both country’s national anthem was also booed and jeered by the opposition.
England fans were not happy with the reaction on social media, with one user fuming: “Fans shouldn’t disrespect football legends like Beckham. At least he accords some respect.”
A second said: “A reminder of how intense football rivalries can be.” Another wrote: “Football memories never die.”
Reflecting on his redemption in 2002, Beckham said: “I knew that was my moment to step up, not to put the ghost to rest, but it was just the moment where I felt I was ready
“The moment we got the penalty, I knew I was taking it. With my celebrations after [scoring], I think everyone saw how much it meant to me, how much it meant to the players and it was one of those moments where the England fans and the public maybe forgave me.”