Manchester United and England star Harry Maguire has revealed that football legend, David Beckham, reached out to offer his support following abuse from fans, having called him after England’s game against Scotlandback in September.
The Premier League defender — whose career has been taken somewhat of a wobble, to say the least, over the past couple of years — has been subject to a torrent of abuse and jeering not only from opposition fans but sometimes his own supporters when representing both club and country.
Perhaps the worst instance of this was the Scotland match mentioned above, in which Maguire was hounded by tens of thousands of fans inside Hampden Park which, after giving away an own goal, only got worse as the game went on.
Sadly, it was by no means Maguire‘s first rodeo, having been booed by the England support this time last year and by travelling United fans on their most recent pre-season tour. With that in mind, knowing all too well what the kind of abuse is like, Beckham was kind enough to give him a ring.
Harry Maguire has revealed how David Beckham reached out to help him deal with some of the fan abuse he's received 🤝 pic.twitter.com/n3a44idKNE
Speaking to reporters ahead of England‘s friendly against Australia on Friday, 12 October, Maguire explained how Beckham called him “after the Scotland game”, adding that it was a “really nice” gesture and one that was much appreciated after a difficult moment for him.
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Detailing how Becks “reminded [him] of the career [he’s] had to date and the big moments in [his] career” that he’s produced and played a part in — i.e. winning a first trophy with Man United and making it a World Cup final with the national team — it’s clear that the conversation was an uplifting one.
“When you’re going through tough moments in your career”, the 30-year-old continues, “you’ve got to think on past experiences, memories; where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through.
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“Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I’ve reached in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three and a half years. [Beckham’s] been in that position and he knows what it’s like”. Despite now being one of the most beloved players ever, his new Netflix documentary has reminded people just how much abuse he went through — and plenty more.
Following being sent off in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina after kicking out Diego Simeone, the 48-year-old famously had effigies of his likeness hanging in the street, was booed and tormented at nearly every game for a whole season and some even threatened to kidnap his first child, Brooklyn.
Truly sickening stuff.
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As Maguire went on to add: “Obviously, I watched the documentary and I couldn’t believe how much he went through at the time. In the documentary, Gary Neville speaks about how resilient he is as a person and I think he’s been a huge role model for many footballers growing up, especially in my era”.
Speaking after the abuse during the England vs Scotland game, Maguire’s mother also issued a statement saying that her son’s treatment has “gone far beyond football” and that on a humanistic level, let alone for a concerned parent, it has been “heartbreaking” to sit and watch him suffer.
Following such chronic abuse and the subsequent lack of confidence and/or convincing performances, Maguire was ultimately stripped of the Man United captaincy this season and has had to settle for being a squad player for the majority of games.
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN LIVE TOUR
The hit TV show announces its first-ever live arena tour! Hosted by Jamie Redknapp!
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena)
Sport
John Stones is leaving Manchester City after a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed he will be leaving after nearly a full decade in sky blue at the end of the season.
The England and Man City defender has lifted pretty much everything there is to win at club level, being part of the ‘Centurions’, Treble-winning and four-in-a-row sides.
John Stones signed for City back in August of 2016 and has gone on to be part of their greatest-ever period of success under Pep Guardiola, not to mention becoming a mainstay in the national team during that time.
Sharing a moving video on social media, announced the decision that will see him depart after the best part of 10 years this summer.
Having made nearly 300 appearances for the Cityzens, he will leave the Etihad as one of their most decorated players, with a tally of 19 major trophies, the same number of goals and nine assists during his time with the club.
That being said, depending on how the remainder of this 2025/26 campaign goes, all of those stats could improve even further.
Writing in an official statement of their own, Man City went on to say: “Armed with wonderful technique, a sublime passing range allied to a superb work rate and astute reading of the game, Stones was in many ways the very embodiment of Pep Guardiola’s City.
“Such was his natural talent and tactical flexibility that Stones’ City career later saw him often deployed in a hybrid role, which saw him move into the middle of the City engine room to great effect, not least in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final…”
He is now set to leave as a free agent this June.
John Stones will leave Manchester City in the summer, bringing an end to a memorable and hugely successful ten-year stay.
They sign off by adding that “the Club and all of our supporters will take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a superb servant of Manchester City Football Club at the end of the season.”
Following rumours of his departure in recent weeks and months, a number of clubs across Europe are already thought to have expressed interest in a transfer for the 31-year-old.
Some of the names floating around the Yorkshire-born centre-back’s signature include AC Milan and Bayern Munich; there have even been some hints at Everton attempting to re-sign him.
Where does he rank among your favourite City stars of all-time, Blues?
Danny Jones -
12th October 2023 
