David Beckham appearance at Shanghai University leads to stampede
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At least seven people were injured on Thursday when David Beckham's visit to Tongji University in Shanghai descended into chaos.
According to the Xinmin Evening News, nearly 1,000 fans had gathered at the university stadium, where the newly-retired footballer was scheduled to meet members of the university's football team.
When Beckham arrived, fans climbed over vehicles and bleachers, and risked cutting themselves on barbed wire fences to get a glimpse of their sporting hero.
Photos and video footage show people pushed to the ground, shoes scattered and a uniformed policewoman being carried away with blood covering her face.
Shanghai police said three police officers, two university security guards, and two students - including a Japanese exchange student - were injured.
The event was subsequently cancelled and Shanghai police said they would investigate the incident.
In a posting on his new account on Sina Weibo, the Chinese-language microblogging site, Beckham apologized for the event's cancellation.
Beckham, who is in China as a global football ambassador for the country, said: "I had an incredible response from everyone at Shanghai Tongji University today.
"Sorry I couldn't get out on the pitch to see the teams. It was impossible to get through the massive crowds.
"I heard there were a few injuries, hope the fans are ok and I wish them a speedy recovery."
 | |
| A crowd reacts during a stampede by fans of David Beckham at Tongji University in Shanghai Photo: AP |
According to the Xinmin Evening News, nearly 1,000 fans had gathered at the university stadium, where the newly-retired footballer was scheduled to meet members of the university's football team.
When Beckham arrived, fans climbed over vehicles and bleachers, and risked cutting themselves on barbed wire fences to get a glimpse of their sporting hero.
Photos and video footage show people pushed to the ground, shoes scattered and a uniformed policewoman being carried away with blood covering her face.
Shanghai police said three police officers, two university security guards, and two students - including a Japanese exchange student - were injured.
The event was subsequently cancelled and Shanghai police said they would investigate the incident.
 | |
| People carry an injured policewoman during a stampede by fans of David Beckham in Shanghai Photo: AP |
In a posting on his new account on Sina Weibo, the Chinese-language microblogging site, Beckham apologized for the event's cancellation.
Beckham, who is in China as a global football ambassador for the country, said: "I had an incredible response from everyone at Shanghai Tongji University today.
"Sorry I couldn't get out on the pitch to see the teams. It was impossible to get through the massive crowds.
"I heard there were a few injuries, hope the fans are ok and I wish them a speedy recovery."
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