Alexi Lalas confronted by angry fan at World Cup in Moscow

Martin Rogers | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption There's no escaping the ugliness behind this year's World Cup in Russia Behind the grand sporting fiesta that awaits at the 2018 FIFA World Cup the tournament has been marred by a series of subplots that painted an ugly picture before the games even got underway.

MOSCOW — American soccer legend Alexi Lalas was confronted by an “aggressive” and "angry" fan last weekend in Moscow, where he is on assignment as part of Fox’s coverage of the FIFA World Cup.

Lalas, who is one of the sport’s most prominent voices in the United States, was left fearing for his safety following the incident near his hotel but was unharmed, according to a person close to the former U.S. international defender.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

"He was shaken up," the person said. "It was aggressive behavior that went a long way beyond what someone in his position might usually expect. The fan was angry."

Lalas declined comment and the incident has not interrupted his work with Fox. His employer released a statement:

“The safety and security of our Fox family is of the utmost importance in all parts of the world. Our dedicated security teams take security measures very seriously both at home and abroad. As it pertains to Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas, he was not physically assaulted or mugged in Moscow.”

Before the tournament, Lalas told USA TODAY Sports that he was not fazed by Russia's mixed reputation in America.

“Russia has a vested interest in the world having a good time there during the World Cup," Lalas said. "It is a great advertisement for the country. I am looking forward to going there and having my preconceived notions examined and tested.”

There have been few reports of criminal activity against World Cup visitors, however, the Russian press has reported that police agencies were told not to release details of negative incidents that may affect Russia’s reputation during the tournament.

Lalas, 48, made 96 appearances for the U.S. national team from 1991 to 1998, playing in the 1994 World Cup.

In the 2000s, Lalas served in the front office for multiple MLS teams. He was president of the Los Angeles Galaxy when the team signed David Beckham in 2007. Prior to joining Fox Sports, Lalas spent six years as a commentator for ESPN.

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