David Beckham wisely says no to fur

Jan 2, 2007, 12:30 GMT

ironic that the people who can afford fur can\'t wear it because of PETA\'s very public castigation of them- all celebs are in this boat... EPA/ANDY RAIN

David Beckham changed his mind about purchasing a fur coat, fearing a backlash from animal rights protestors.

The Real Madrid soccer star fell in love with a £12,000 Christian Dior fox fur jacket during a recent shopping trip to London's exclusive Harrods department store, but decided to keep his wallet in his pocket.

A source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "He really took to the coat and after he'd put it on he couldn't stop gazing at himself in the mirror.

"He liked the red colour but explained he couldn't buy it as he was concerned about the animal rights brigade.

"He also joked that his teammates at Real Madrid have no fashion sense and would probably make fun of him if he turned up wearing it."

David's wife Victoria Beckham narrowly avoided becoming a target for animal rights group PETA after they mistook her faux fur gillet for a real animal pelt.

The former Spice Girl had a number of fake fur outfits recreated from designs she had seen at a Roberto Cavalli fashion show in 2005.

Celebrities who have felt the wrath of PETA include Madonna, who recently came under fire after she was spotted wearing a £35,000 fur coat made from chinchilla skins, and Jennifer Lopez, who has used fur in her own Sweetface fashion range.

(C) BANG Media International