Beckham sympathises with Zidane and Vieira over charity match absence

MANCHESTER, Uni t ed Kingdom: David Beckham said he understood the decision of former France internationals Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira not to play in his charity match on Saturday in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks.

Zidane and Vieira pulled out of the game on behalf of United Nat ions chi ldren’s charity UNICEF staged by Beckham between a Great Britain and Ireland XI and a Rest of the World XI at Old Trafford after at least 129 people lost their lives in the Paris tragedy.

“There was slight concern ( about the game going ahead) obviously once the news hit last night,” Beckham said.

“Obviously it was terribly devastating to see the scenes we all saw but unfortunately we see those around the world and it is devastating to see.”

Beckham said he had no complaints about the withdrawals of retired French greats Zidane and Vieira, both members of the France side that won the 1998 World Cup final at the Stade de France — where fans watching the France-Germany international on Friday heard explosions at nearby sites which were later confirmed as having killed several people.

“I understood why Zizou ( Zidane) took the decision not to play,” Beckham said. “He was very respectful to me and to everything that he had promised about coming over.

“He is a friend f irst and foremost,” added Beckham, who played alongside Zidane at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

“I totally understand. He is a very passionate man. It hit him very hard what happened last night. I have said on behalf of myself and the fans we send our condolences to those who have lost loved ones in Paris.” — AFP