David Beckham has caused quite a stir with Bafta viewers after he took to the stage during Sunday's ceremony.
Introduced by host David Tennant - who caused a stir of his own his wardrobe choices - Beckham took to the stage solo to present the gong for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
However, rather than receiving the hero's welcome Michael J Fox received when he presented an award, Beckham received a slightly more hostile reception from viewers at home.
Much of the criticism levelled at Becks came after he referred to the American term "soccer" when touching upon his former career on the football field.
The 48-year-old received a round of applause as he approached the microphone before he began reeling off his monologue.
"Good evening," Beckham began to the star-studded audience. "They say that practice makes perfect.
Baftas 2024: David Beckham mingled with the likes of Prince William at the event
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"Well, that might be true in football - or soccer - but it's not true for the filmmakers nominated for Outstanding Debut.
"They got it right the first time," Beckham added before he named the nominees.
But before long, Beckham's turn as an awards presenter soon came under fire as he was accused of "pandering" to an American audience.
"David Beckham it’s a British awards show, you don’t need to mention soccer #EEBAFTAs," one fan fumed on X, formerly Twitter.
David Beckham at the Baftas: The former footballer presented an award
BBC
A second similarly questioned: "Don't you dare say soccer, David. Who even are you? #BAFTAs."
"Don’t say soccer, Dave. Pandering to the Americans #DavidBeckham #BAFTAs," a third hit out before a fourth raged: "No David you were right the first time... it's called football!! #BAFTAs."
Meanwhile a fifth commented: "'That might be true in football, or soccer-' DAVID BECKHAM YOU ARE ON THE BAFTAS DON'T YOU DARE PANDER TO THE AMERICANS!!!"
However, there was some defence for Becks, including one fan who hit back at the furore: "Why? He said football and then also said soccer referring to the rest of the world...." (sic)
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David Beckham 'soccer' backlash: The 48-year-old came under fire for using the term
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It wasn't the only time Beckham caught the eye during the awards do on Sunday evening.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder was spotted mingling with Prince William who'd attended the ceremony solo as Kate Middleton continues her recovery at home.
