Beckham Shanghai visit ignites crowd stampede

An injured policewoman lies on the ground bleeding after soccer fans trampled over one another during Beckham's visit to Tongji University in Shanghai, June 20, 2013. Several people were injured on Thursday afternoon after rabid fans broke through a police cordon trying to catch a glimpse of the former England soccer captain at Tongji University. Shanghai was the third stop on David Beckham's week-long China trip after Beijing and Nanjing as he continued in his role as the Ambassador for the Chinese Super League. [Photo/CFP]

SHANGHAI - Five people were hurt in a stampede here on Thursday afternoon when former England captain David Beckham arrived at Tongji University.

Witnesses said that thousands of fans rushed forward when Beckham arrived and waved to them. Police failed to control the crowd.

Tongji University said that four working staffs and a student were injured in the stampede. They were rushed to hospital. Their injuries were not serious.

Beckham, who was visiting Shanghai as ambassador to the Chinese Super League, called off the event and expressed his hope that the injured would recover soon.

The 38-year-old superstar began his new role in March, before announcing his retirement last month after winning the French league title with Paris Saint-Germain.

Beckham's second China visit as CSL ambassador:

Beckham charms Shanghai as he continues China visit

Beckham gets his game on in Nanjing

Beckham back in Beijing

Second China tour for Beckham as CSL ambassador