David James
The former goalkeeper, David James, humorously admitted to being “proud of being a villain” after saving two penalties against an 11-year-old boy. This event occurred during a charity fundraiser, which takes place annually, where the bank’s associated charity, Futuremakers, is advertised on Liverpool’s shirts that are auctioned later to raise money. Fans had the chance to take penalty shots at halftime in front of The Kop. David James, who played 214 matches for the Reds in the 1990s, was in goal. Typically, goalkeepers allow penalty takers to score in such situations, but the 54-year-old chose a different tactic. He was questioned about this atypical approach on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning by breakfast show host Rick Edwards.
David James said, “I was doing the half-time penalty shootout. It was for Standard Chartered’s charity. They had the opportunities to take the penalties and had spent a fair few quid to get there. I didn’t want to concede any goals in front of The Kop. I saved one. There were a couple of lucky shots that went in. The last penalty taker was I think an 11 year-old kid. The thing is Rick, I don’t let in penalties, so I thought I had done well. I got booed from the Kop.”
His actions sparked mixed reactions, with many taking to social media to express their opinions.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user commented, “A big day for the lad, must have been made up, nerves the night before, walking onto the pitch, spine tingling moment, then saving the kid’s shot.”
In response to the Facebook post, David Lee Williams remarked, “The second pen was brilliant. Let’s the kid take it again. Pure show boating needle and I was well into it.”
Victor Bruno added, “Make the kid try harder not pretend he’s a great penalty taker when he’s not. Well done Jamesy.”
Anders Jungle Nielsen defended James, stating, “Imagine getting hate because you don’t do curling and make kids feel like they need to work to achieve their goals.”
