International football superstar David Beckham has apologised for sparking a stampede at the Shanghai Tongji University.

The famous footballer made his apology on his official China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo account on Thursday, saying: "I had an incredible response from everyone at Shanghai Tongji University today.

"Sorry I couldn't get out on the pitch to see the teams. It was impossible to get through the massive crowds. I heard there were a few injuries, hope the fans are okay and I wish them a speedy recovery," he said on the microblog.

Beckham, who was appointed as Chinas first global soccer ambassador, is scheduled to make a seven-day promotional tour for the Chinese Super League in China.

His arrival on Wednesday had triggered the stampede which resulted in seven people, namely three police officers, two security guards and two students being injured.

It was reported that Beckham was to meet the university's football team, while about 1000 fans stormed through a gate and broke through the human barricade formed by police and guards.

Local media quoted Shanghai police as saying an investigation would be conducted.

The stampede led to the cancellation of the interactive event between the university soccer team and Beckham, it said.

It was reported that Beckham will continue his week-long tour with a trip to Hangzhou.