David Beckham believes the "brutal" reaction to his red card in the 1998 World Cup pales in comparison to the potential problems facing players in the social media age.
Beckham was speaking at a mental health summit organised by the Duke of Cambridge, corresponding with the announcement that all levels of the English game have signed a joint declaration committing to make mental health a key priority as a legacy of Prince William's 'Heads Up' programme.
The 45-year-old former England captain experienced a backlash after being sent off during the World Cup defeat to Argentina at the age of 23, with opposition fans barracking him upon his return to Premier League action and even burning him in effigy.
England and Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings has set up his own academy for youngsters, focused on removing the pressures of the game.
He revealed: "I just felt like it was a really unstable place for kids to be mentally.
"I'm not saying they should come to mine rather than be at football academies, they are great pathways, but if kids ever want to be away from that and have some extra training or be in an environment where they don't feel pressurised to win games or impress people, then that's the kind of environment that we set up and we've had really good feedback."
