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David Beckham aimed Rangers rage at Willie Collum as ref recalls 'claim to fame'

David Beckham in action at Ibrox
-Credit: (Image: Daily Record)


Willie Collum has refereed some of the biggest names and games in world football - but a FRIENDLY game at Ibrox will live with him forever.

Collum hung up the whistle earlier this summer to take up a new role as the SFA's head of referees and the 45-year-old has been doing his media rounds this week to promote the launch of the new monthly VAR Review show, aimed to give fans a unique insight into key decisions.

It's a major step forward for Scottish football as Collum aims to enhance the transparency surrounding controversial flashpoints throughout the season. And while Collum's been busy in his new role, he's still adapting to life away from the park after more than 30 years as a whistler.

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Regarded as Scotland's leading ref, Collum was tasked with keeping a lid on powderkeg occasions across the world in FIFA and UEFA competitions, as well as box-office SPFL showpieces like the Glasgow and Edinburgh derbies. He's managed some global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho but it was David Beckham who gave him one of the biggest earfuls during AC Milan's 2009 friendly visit at Rangers.

He told The Warm-Up: "My claim to fame is that Beckham gave me a really hard time in a friendly one night, Rangers vs AC Milan. He came in at the end of the game and gave me his top and apologised so that's my claim to fame."

Ex-Gers striker Kris Boyd was involved that night but it wasn't until a few years down the line during his spell in the MLS with Portland Timbers that he got his hands on Beckham's jersey.

He added: "That’s us both got something in common with Beckham - the strip I got signed in America. I asked Robbie Keane if he’d get it signed. So, he disappears with it, and comes back: To Chris, all the best, David Beckham. ‘Kris’, spelt ‘C H R’... I just thought - fair play."