Thatcher speaks out to defend Beckham

Ben Thatcher has spoken out on behalf of David Beckham insisting it is time to consign the incident between the pair to history and look forward.

The Welsh international defended the England captain despite being involved in the crunching tackles which saw Beckham limp off with a fractured rib before claiming he had deliberately incurred his yellow card as he knew he would be ruled out of the trip to Azerbaijan.

Thatcher told The People he does not want Beckham charged by the FA, insisting the inquest has gone on for too long.

Thatcher said: “He’s obviously one of the best footballers out there, he’s a good-looking lad, gets a lot of sponsorship, he’s everywhere.

“That’s why this has gone on and on – on front pages and back pages and everyone having their say.

“One newspaper had a poll asking if he should be stripped of the captaincy! It’s crazy.

“Look, I don’t want him banned, or censored or for there to be this outrage and outcry.

“The sooner FIFA and Sepp Blatter step out of it then, it’s finished. Get off his back. As far as I’m concerned it’s finished.

“He didn’t hurt me. There is no previous between us. He’s not at all mouthy, or gobby. He’s not a dirty player.

“He’s a superstar, you can just take your hat off and say ’He’s a fantastic player, one of the best players around”’

He added: “I don’t want him banned. I would rather face Beckham than mark Shaun-Wright Phillips when we play England again.

“Have you seen how fast Shaun runs?”