Irish Paper Apologies To David Beckham

An Irish newspaper has issued a public apology to soccer star David Beckham after printing an article claiming he had tried to woo another woman.

The Evening Herald newspaper today posted the retraction and apology for the article, published in April, in which they had suggested Beckham had made a pass at Hungarian model Mariann Fogarassy after a recent AC Milan match, and that he had invited her to a private party which was due to take place in Milan.

Soon after the allegation a representative for David, 33, who is married to Victoria Beckham, 35, insisted he had never met Mariann.

"There is no truth in this story," the spokesman said. "I was there and there was no interaction with this woman at the stadium. There is also no party in Milan. She is seeking publicity."

Following a subsequent complaint from the football star, the Herald published an articling on its website saying: "On 30 April we stated in an article headed 'Becks made a play for me – model' that David Beckham had made a play for Mariann Fogarassy after a recent AC Milan match and that he had invited her to a private party which was due to take place in Milan. We now accept that the story was completely untrue.

"We unreservedly apologise both to David Beckham and to his family for making these allegations and for any distress and embarrassment our article has caused. We have also agreed to pay him damages and legal costs."

The apology is published on today's Evening Herald website.

(DW/BMcC)