Ashamed Of Madrid Fans
Thursday, November 18, 2004

David Beckham has admitted to being “ashamed” at the racist chants aimed at Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Cole and the other black players during the international with Spain in Madrid.

Substitute Wright-Phillips and Cole bore the brunt of the monkey chants that reigned down from the Bernabeu throughout the entire 90 minutes of Spain’s 1-0 win.

Beckham was clearly taken aback at the extent of the abuse on what has become his home ground since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United 15 months ago.

He said: “I was surprised because I have never heard it before when I have been playing out here and living out here. It was surprising.

“I think it is something that the FA and people in world football are trying to cut out. They are doing their best.

“I did not speak to the players about it because they have had it before when they have been playing in games. They know that people are trying to cut it out.

“The players just get on with the game. They are professional enough and strong enough to be able to handle it.

“Was I ashamed of the fans in the stadium? When it happens in football all around the world you feel ashamed but it is trying to be cut out of the game. It wasn’t good tonight but people are working to cut it out.”

Beckham refused to become involved in a war of worlds with Spanish coach Luis Aragones, who had caused uproar with his “black s***” remarks about Thierry Henry earlier in the season.

He said: “Obviously it was well documented what their manager said but I don’t want to get into criticising their manager but this is something that is trying to be cut out of football.

“This is a bit of a setback but everyone will continue trying to cut it out of football.”

View all items