World Cup 2022: Joe Lycett has shredded £10,000 after David Beckham did not quit as Qatar ambassador
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Joe Lycett has made good on his threat and shredded £10,000 after David Beckham did not meet his demands to pull out of his role as Qatar ambassador for the 2022 World Cup. On Sunday (November 20), Lycett appeared on camera putting money into a large red shredder.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe comedian stepped into the shot dressed in a stunning rainbow-coloured coat and red ear defenders, completing the task without saying a word. The money sprayed out the shredder like confetti before Lycett walked out of the show in silence.
The former Man United midfielder has come under fire as he penned a deal with Qatar to be their ambassador, and is reportedly receiving a £10 million payday for the role. Homosexuality is illegal in the gulf state, and Beckham has previously been viewed as LGBT+ ally.
Taking to Instagram on November 13, Lycett shared a video of him sitting behind £10,000 and said: “This is a message to David Beckham. I consider you, along with Kim Woodburn and Monty Don, to be a gay icon.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“You’re the first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans, and you married a Spice Girl, which is the gayest thing a human being can do.
“But now it’s 2022. And you signed a reported £10m deal with Qatar to be their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup. Qatar was voted as one of the worst places in the world to be gay. Homosexuality is illegal, punishable by imprisonment and, if you’re Muslim, possibly even death.”
Lycett continued: “If you end your relationship with Qatar, I’ll donate this £10,000 of my own money, as a grand for every million you’re reportedly getting, to charities that support queer people in football.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“However, if you do not, by midday next Sunday [20 November] I will throw this money into a shredder just before the opening ceremony of the World Cup and stream it live on a website I’ve registered called benderslikebeckham.com.”
Beckham has yet to respond to Lycett and stayed silent on his role in the World Cup and association with Qatar and their values.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.