England's goalless draw against Algeria, ranked 30th in the world, prompted boos on the final whistle from the English contingent in the crowd, and the frustration increased so much, that a furious supporter confronted David Beckham in the dressing room.
England's goalless draw against Algeria, ranked 30th in the world, prompted boos on the final whistle from the English contingent in the crowd, and the frustration increased so much, that a furious supporter confronted David Beckham in the dressing room.
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The incident took place moments after a sarcastic Wayne Rooney had questioned the loyalty of the traveling fans as he left the pitch.
Rooney reacted by shouting into a television camera: "Nice to see your own fans booing you. If that's what loyal support is ... for fuck's sake."
The Guardian reports that a fan wearing an England replica kit barged his way through the security around the changing rooms and shouted abuse at Beckham, who is a non-playing member of Fabio Capello's staff.
Stewards eventually pulled the supporter away. Prince William and Prince Harry had been due in the dressing room moments later.
The Football Association was outraged and submitted a formal complaint to Fifa .
"It is unacceptable. Thankfully there was no serious harm done, but we will be complaining to Fifa," said an FA spokesman.
England must now beat Slovenia, who are on top of Group C in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday if they are to reach the knock-out phase.