Paris attacks were devastating, I can understand why Zidane, Vieira skipped my charity match: Beckham

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

Manchester: 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.


David Beckham with son Brooklyn after a charity tie against Rest of the World at Old Trafford, Manchester on Saturday

Zidane and Vieira pulled out of the game on behalf of United Nations children'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 died in the Paris tragedy.

"There was slight concern (about the game going ahead) obviously once the news hit last night," Beckham said. "It was terribly devastating to see the scenes we saw. Unfortunately we see those around the world and it's 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 nearby 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 first 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.

"Being French and the passionate person he (Zidane) is, Patrick Vieira as well, they took the decision they didn't want to play. I totally understand where they are coming from. Zizou was coming in this morning from Madrid."

Former France internationals Mikael Silvestre and Robert Pires did play in the game. The Great Britain and Ireland side captained by Beckham, which also featured his son, Brooklyn, and was coached by former Man United manager Alex Ferguson, won 3-1. Beckham also has links with Paris, having helped Paris St Germain win the league title in 2013 just before his retirement.

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