David Beckham has revealed that he was inconsolable after he was sent off for England against Argentina back in the 1998 World Cup.
Beckham became public enemy No.1 overnight when he saw red against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. The Three Lions were dumped out of the tournament on the same night Beckham saw red for kicking out at Diego Simeone.
England crashed out of the 1998 World Cup after David Beckham saw red against Argentina (Image: Bob Thomas/Getty Images)
And the former Manchester United star, who was brutally vilified by fans for months afterwards, told his old United teammate Gary Neville that he was left absolutely distraught by the incident. Speaking on The Overlap, Beckham said: “I remember how tough it was. It was a tough tournament to start off with, it got better then it got really bad.
“That was a tough start [not getting picked for the first two games], what happened after that it was tough all round. I never felt I was frustrated playing in those games.
“I don’t remember going on that pitch wanting to prove a point because I had been left out of other games. It was just a moment that happened where I reacted – it was a moment of madness, really.
“When I look back on my career and talk about regrets, I wish that never happened. But on the flip side, if it didn’t happen, I might not have had the career that I had.
Beckham revealed he was inconsolable after the infamous sending off (Image: YouTube/”HANDLE”)
“It’s probably harsh to say I still feel let down [by team-mates] but I look back at that moment – we were young. I made a mistake but there’s certain people in football you expect to get behind you no matter what. We always had that at United, but I felt let down.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been as emotional as I was coming out of that ground and seeing my mum and dad. I was crying uncontrollable sobbing, which is slightly embarrassing. At the time, the Argentina coach was going past and they were all banging [on the window].”
Beckham was subjected to horrific abuse after the red card and he went on to credit his old Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, and United fans for helping him through.
Beckham has revealed that he ‘sobbed uncontrollably’ after his infamous dismissal (Image: Bongarts/Getty Images)
He added: “Every game that season, apart from every time we played at Old Trafford, was horrendous. Every talk show, everywhere I went, every time I put petrol in the car I was getting abuse.
“Whether it was in Manchester or London, it didn’t matter. The thing that got me through that season were the United fans, I was nervous anyway for that first game because I didn’t know what reaction I would get.
“That first corner, I went over with the ball, and I looked up and the whole stand rose. That’s how I got through that season.”
