David James saved two penalties during half-time. (Image: Sky Sports / Getty.)
Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper David James came under fire from Anfield faithful after he denied a young boy the glory of scoring a penalty during half-time festivities.
The Merseyside outfit welcomed Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, aiming to solidify their lead in the Premier League table. Half-time entertainment is common at football venues, and Liverpool’s break saw a challenge for fans courtesy of Standard Chartered’s ‘Futuremakers’ programme.
James, an Anfield alumni with a seven-year tenure from the 90s, donned the gloves for this contest. His illustrious playing days saw him lift the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 and he currently serves as coach and pundit, occasionally revisiting past clubs for special events.
One such event saw him guarding the goal against an 11-year-old aspiring footballer, thwarting his penalty shots much to the youngster’s disappointment and drawing boos from the spectators. Despite their dismay, James remained unapologetic about the outcome.
On social media, the ex-England shot-stopper shared footage of his second save, teasing: “So, half-time standard Chartered penalty shootout at @LFC, the young lad has a chance to retake his penalty. Today’s signed match shirts and last week’s @LiverpoolFCW signed match shirts are live to bid for.”
David James saving penalties from Liverpool fans. (Image: Sky Sports)
Adding insult to injury, another video shows James stopping a tame shot from an adult fan. Despite James’ lack of remorse, many have criticised the ex-Liverpool goalkeeper for his overly competitive approach.
One fan exclaimed: “What a bell***, whether you meant to save it or not. As an ex-pro keeper you should’ve made sure you didn’t save that 2nd pen and allowed that young lad to score a penalty in front of the Kop. Would’ve been a fantastic memory for him.”
Another vented: “Honestly, this says so much about you. None of it good.”
David James making a smart stop down to his left. (Image: Sky Sports)
A third remarked: “Sometimes in life you gotta learn the hard way, but yeah this was messed up.”
James boasts a Premier League record of 13 penalty saves, a feat still unmatched. The disappointed youngster, denied his moment of glory at Anfield, would nonetheless have left with some consolation.
Liverpool secured a victory over Chelsea, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones ensuring Arne Slot’s team remained at the summit of the Premier League, just ahead of Manchester City.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1964868/David-James-penalty-save-Liverpool-child