Chinese fans of David Beckham stormed a security cordon as the soccer superstar visited a university in Shanghai on Thursday. Seven people were injured in the ensuing stampede, including five security personnel, The Associated Press reported.
Beckham sparks stampede in China, 7 injured
June 20, 201300:52Agence France-Presse photographer Peter Parks said that the crowd pushed past a flimsy police line as soon as Beckham's car arrived. In a blog post, he described the chaotic scenes as people fell to the ground and were trampled by the crowd.
"I saw a policewoman who obviously took the full weight of the crowd and was lying face down", Parks wrote. "When they picked her up there was a pool of blood coming out of her nose and mouth."
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham, who retired from the game in May, has undertaken a new role as a Chinese "football ambassador". He said on Thursday that he hoped to inspire local children back to the sport, Reuters reported.
Previously on PhotoBlog:
Bust it like Beckham: Soccer star takes a spill
Beckham dons suit and tie on the field for new 'ambassador' role