“People Would Hit, or Spit at, My Car” – Sobbed Uncontrollably After Controversial Incident, David Beckham Admits Enduring ‘Tough’ Times at Home

The World Cup contains moments to remember for ages. Be it the 2002 World Cup when Ronaldo scored monumental goals for Brazil. Or be it the 2010 World Cup, where Spain excited fans with a unique brand of tiki-taka style of soccer. Moreover, if you look at the 2018 World Cup, Kylian Mbappe announced his arrival in the world. The latest edition saw Lionel Messi win his first World Cup to achieve his dream. But for David Beckham in 1998, it was a heartbreak and the world turned upside down. 

The Manchester United legend received a red card for kicking an Argentinian player, Diego Simeone, who is the head coach of Atletico Madrid. It resulted in England losing the game, and the fans slandered the right winger. Although there is much respect between the two players, Beckham opened up on the tough times during that time. Beckham cried inconsolably after the World Cup and opened up about his feelings. 

David Beckham opens up about tough struggles after the 1998 World Cup 

The Inter Miami owner explained the troubled times after the 98 World Cup. He explained to the Athletic, “It was tough, but it was tougher for my family than for me. I’m trying not to get emotional, but that was what worried me more than anything else. I remember my granddad calling me and saying, ‘David, I’ve got people knocking on the door saying you’ve let the whole country down and let your whole family down, what shall I say?'”. Beckham emotionally continued, “I couldn’t drive around London.”

Fans in England hurled abuse towards the player after he kicked Simeone and got sent off. The game went to penalties, and England ended up losing the game. They initially took the lead but lost Beckham after half-time. The squad was rich with talents like Alan Shearer and Michael Owen. Despite that, going a man down proved to be the difference in the match.

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Since that red card, he endured tough times in England and explained the insults and sneers he faced. He continued, “I couldn’t walk around London. I couldn’t go to restaurants and I couldn’t go to bars. Even my friends didn’t want to go out with me. They knew I would get abused. If I stopped at traffic lights, people would hit, or spit at, my car. Those kinds of things were happening to me, daily, for quite a few years.”

Redemption free-kick for the 2002 World Cup

In 2001 during a World Cup finals qualifier against Greece, England trailed 2-1 to the 2004 Euro winners. And in the 90th minute, he scored a stunning 25-yard free-kick to send England to the 2002 World Cup. The England fans instantly forgave him and it turned out to be his moment of redemption. 

Therefore, he is regarded as one of the game’s greats and has left a lasting impression on many. Thus, Beckham was the face of soccer for many years following his marketability. Despite facing struggles during his younger days, he helped his country on several occasions. To sum up, were the fans right to keep him as public enemy number one after the debacle?

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