How Does Beckham Deal With a Shirtless Fan On the Field?

By: Laurie | April 23rd, 2007

David Beckham just went way up in my estimation.

Look at this photo. It’s a fan who ran onto the field and made it all the way to Becks before being grabbed by security guards. (And somewhere, some security guys are probably looking for a job today.) Scary stuff, given the kind of emotion Beckham inspires. Anything could have happened. But fortunately this guy just wanted to give David a hug and his shirt. (And pants, too, it looks like.)

So how does Beckham respond? Look at his face. Startled, a little wary, but kind, too. Recognizing that this guy is a real person. How many players would have reacted that way?

Okay, so maybe this wasn’t the wisest response. Maybe it will encourage others to do the same kind of thing. It could, in theory, make him less safe in the long run.

But for me? After seeing this, I’m teetering on the edge of being won over.

(And LA is beefing up its security.)

Original article from Deadspin

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Laurie

Miss V, Some call it "stalking." We at The Offside simply call it, "Admiration."
Miss V

oh the sweet, sweet opportunities open to those yet to have restraining orders slapped on them by the beckhams... free to harass, maim and/or grope. that lucky, lucky, half pantsless fan/lunatic.
Diane

Laurie, can you please address the issue of these underarmour (or whatever) undershirts popping up all over the EPL, and now apparently everywhere? They are destroying post-game viewing!!! One more endorsement requisite threatening to ruin the sport...will they stop at NOTHING :(
Luis

Kudos to Becks. The usual reaction is one of fear and then eventual disgust. I've seen Ronaldinho handle these situations poorly in the past. I know it can make you feel a bit freaked out, but these guys choose to live in the limelight and they should at least try to be nice to their fans.
Diane

(and Connor, I never imagined you to be in the 12-14 set...or...maybe...)
Diane

With almost everything up for debate, a very few things Beckham have remained firmly outside the hype over the years. Caring for and protectiveness of kids tops the short-list (and kindness and poise are probably what would be needed to allow for the rest).

Laurie, there is at least one more player, Guti who is standing behind them in the photo, held the security guard off while Beckham calmed the kid down enough to be taken away. It was just a few seconds, but a sweet play in a great match.
Ian

Dammit ... posted at the same time. Great minds.
Ian

Nice whities, Connor.
Laurie

Nice briefs, Connor.
Connor

That was me btw.
Ian

Huh. Poise. I'm as surprised as you.