David Beckham 'couldn't leave the house' after England red card, opens up on trauma in rare interview

David Beckham has opened up on his red card at the 1998 World Cup against Argentina and how the moment continues to haunt him.

There were many moments of greatness in Beckham's career, whether it was for Manchester United, Real Madrid or England in particular.

Easily the most famous was his free kick that secured the country's place at the 2002 World Cup, scoring a last minute free kick at Old Trafford against Greece.

It would lead to another great moment for the former Three Lions captain as he would score the winning goal in the group game against Argentina at the tournament.

That winner was particularly special because it came four years after the darkest moment in Beckham's career, against the same opponents.

The England winger was fouled by Diego Simeone in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup and whilst lying on the ground the United star kicked out and earned himself a red card.

England would go on to lose the game on penalties and Beckham was castigated by the media and fans for months after the game.

Now he's revealed that it still haunts him and he thinks about it: "I still think about it, most weeks," Beckham told an audience at St John's Wood United Synagogue, via the Athletic.

"Without doubt, it still affects me."

Beckham receives his marching orders. Image: Getty

Explaining what happened during that period the 48-year-old added: "'It was tough, but it was tougher for my family than me,' said the 48-year-old.

"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?'

"I couldn't drive around London. I couldn't walk around London. I couldn't go to restaurants. 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."

Topics: England, Football, Argentina, Football World Cup, David Beckham, Manchester United

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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