David Beckham got involved in an ugly confrontation with fans at
his first home game for the Los Angeles Galaxy after returning from
Italy.
The former England captain attempted to jump over a barrier as he left the
field at half-time into a section of the crowd that had been
jeering him.
He was held back by security staff, members of whom were also
needed to restrain an angry fan who left his seat and rushed
towards the footballer.
The 34-year-old explained afterwards in comments broadcast on
Sky Sports News: "I tried to shake one of the guy's hands
but he didn't want any of it. That's the way it is.''
Beckham received a less than friendly welcome at his first home
game after returning from a five-month loan spell at AC Milan - the
team the Galaxy faced.
A hardcore section of the crowd booed Beckham every time he
touched the ball and held aloft signs reading "Go Home Fraud'' and "23: Repent''
in reference to his shirt number.
Another read: "Hey Becks,
Here Before You, Here after You, Here Despite You'' while one
stated: "Is evil something u are...or something u
do?''
Earlier this year, Beckham indicated he wanted to stay in Milan
rather than return to America, stating that the standard of play
was far higher in Italy.
The apparent snub has angered some Galaxy fans, notably a
hardcore that sit in the so-called LA Riot Squad section.
Throughout the first half of the game he was subjected to jeers
and obscene chants.
After the referee blew for half time, Beckham tried to hurdle an advertising boarding
and appeared to make a "come on'' gesture towards
fans.
In response, one man left
his seat, jumped down on to the pitch and attempted to run towards
Beckham. At this point security intervened and
escorted Beckham to the changing room, while removing the fan from
the pitch.
Despite the incident, Beckham returned in the second half. He
was the last man to take to the pitch and hugged several of his
former Milan team-mates before gesturing towards the rowdy section
of the crowd.
A line of yellow-jacketed security staff stood below the
supporters in the trouble area as a precaution.
On the pitch Beckham had a hand in both Galaxy goals, scored by
Alan Gordon and Bryan Jordan, as they twice came from behind to
draw 2-2 with the Rossoneri. Thiago Silva and Filippo Inzaghi
scored for Milan.
After the second Galaxy goal, Beckham turned and shrugged his
shoulders in the direction of the section of crowd that had been
jeering him.
The former Manchester United star was substituted after 75
minutes and walked off to a mixture of cheers and boos.
On the boos, Beckham said: "It's to be expected. Sometimes it
goes beyond it. The majority of the fans have been great.''
soccernet
