Ben Thatcher believes it is time to end the furore surrounding David Beckham's controversial tackle on him. The England captain faces an FA inquiry and was criticised by Fifa after he admitted he fouled Thatcher on purpose.
"I don't want him banned or censored, or for there to be this outrcry," the Wales defender told The People.
"He didn't hurt me. He's not a dirty player. The sooner Fifa step out of it then, it's finished. As far as I'm concerned it's finished."
Beckham confessed he deliberately fouled Thatcher to pick up a yellow card so he would be suspended for the Azerbaijan match - a match he knew he would miss anyway through injury.
The Real Madrid midfielder has since apologised and Thatcher says the incident has only dragged on because of Beckham's high profile.
"He's obviously one of the best footballers out there, he's a good-looking lad, gets a lot of sponsorship, he's everywhere," said Thatcher.
"That's why this has gone on and on - on front pages and back pages and everyone having their say.
Thatcher joked: "I would rather face Beckham than mark Shaun-Wright Phillips when we play England again.
"Have you seen how fast Shaun runs?"
Meanwhile, Beckham has until 22 October to respond to the FA's request for an explanation for the controversy.
MMIX
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