Beckham apologizes for sparking stampede in Shanghai

Fans surround David Beckham during his visit to Tongji University in Shanghai, June 20, 2013. The visit resulted in chaotic scenes. Three police officers, two security guards and two students were injured when the former soccer star, now an ambassador for the Chinese Super League, arrived at the college as part of a weeklong China tour. [Photo: Osports]

David Beckham made an apology on his microblog for his appearance sparking a stampede at a Shanghai university that injured seven people, including five security personnel, on Thursday.

A post on Beckham's microblog on the popular Chinese-language platform Sina Weibo read that "I had an incredible response from everyone at Shanghai Tonggi University today, sorry I couldn't get out on the pitch to see the teams (for) it was impossible to get through the massive crowds. I heard there were few injuries, hope the fans are ok and I wish them a speed recovery."

Shanghai police said, "Three police officers, two university security guards and two students — including a Japanese student — were injured."

People were pushed onto the ground, shoes were scattered and a uniformed woman whose face covered blood was carried away — showed on the photos and video footage.

More than 1,000 fans had gathered at a stadium of the university on Thursday, where the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was to meet members of the university team. Beckham is in China this week on a seven-day promotional tour for the Chinese Super League, China's top league.

Upon the former Paris St Germain and LA Galaxy midfielder's arrival, fans stormed through a gate and broke through a line formed by police and guards.

The event was canceled, and Shanghai police said they were investigating the incident.

The retired football star, one of England's wealthiest footballers, will continue his week-long tour with a trip to Hangzhou, a scenic lake town two hours from Shanghai.