London, June 29 (ANI): The soccer world has expressed dismay and anger over icon David Beckham's omission from the Team Great Britian (GB) for the London 2012 Olympics.
Manager's Stuart Pearce ended Beckham's Olympic dream by omitting him from his 18-man Team GB squad.
Footballers and celebrities described the snub as the former England captain's darkest day of his illustrious career.
Former striker and now BBC presenter Gary Lineker said it was 'terrible' Becks had been excluded 'having given so much' to British football and London 2012. He further claimed that Pearce had been stringing him all along.
Gavin and Stacey star James Corden, a close friend of Becks, and Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, reportedly branded the snub 'disrespectful' to 'one of the greatest ambassadors for the game'.
Twitter users have also posted messages of support using the hashtag #pickbecks.
"Terrible shame for Beckham having given so much to the Olympic bid and football. Never thought for a second that David Beckham would be excluded from GB's team. What I don't understand is stringing him along by including him in a short list?" the Daily Mail quoted Lineker, as tweeting.
The news left Beckham disappointment, as he was included in the original 35-man long-list.
"Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they (Team GB) can win the gold," Beckham said.
In a transatlantic call, Pearce informed Beckham that he was being omitted in favour of Manchester City's Micah Richards because, with Tottenham's Kyle Walker and Chris Smalling of Manchester United ruled out by injury, he required a more effective defensive cover.
As a football's biggest star, Beckham would have been a big pull for fans to come and watch Team GB at the games and get excited about the Olympic football, which is not normally a major draw for spectators.
He is still expected to come to the Games in some form and may have a role to play at the opening ceremony. (ANI)
