Beckham confronts fans after boos

Beckham expected reaction from crowd

David Beckham was involved in a confrontation with Los Angeles fans during his first home game since returning from a spell at AC Milan.

The 34-year-old England midfielder missed the first half of the Major League Soccer season after extending his loan deal with the Italian side.

The Galaxy were playing Milan in a friendly and Beckham was jeered by sections of the sell-out crowd.

"The majority of fans have been great," Beckham insisted afterwards.

"It was only one or two that, you know, it was to be expected.

"Sometimes it goes beyond it. I tried to shake one of the guy's hands but he didn't want any of it. That's the way it is."

His charisma is very important for other players. We are really happy with his situation

AC Milan manager Leonardo

Boos were louder than cheers as the players were introduced prior to kick-off and every touch from the former England captain was jeered early on by sections of the 27,000 sell-out crowd.

Several fans made their displeasure known with banners and as the players went off at the interval Beckham had to be escorted from the field by security as he walked over to an area of seats to confront jeering fans.

One supporter jumped down and had to be restrained before being taken away.

It marked the end of a turbulent week for Beckham since his return to the United States, who also had to placate team-mates following comments by Galaxy captain Landon Donovan.

The pair met with coach Bruce Arena after Beckham responded to the remarks from Donovan that accused the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player of being unprofessional.
Landon Donovan, Alan Gordon and David Beckham
Goalscorer Gordon is congratulated by Donovan (left) and Beckham

The match itself ended 2-2, Beckham doing his talking on the pitch by having a hand in both Galaxy goals.

For the first he played a trademark cross-field ball to Donovan, who then set up Alan Gordon, while for the second, and with Galaxy 2-1 down, it was Beckham's corner that was headed home by Bryan Jordan.

After that he turned to a section of fans who had been particularly vociferous and shrugged his shoulders, while he applauded those fans who had been supportive when he was withdrawn in the 75th minute.

"There's not another player on this team or in this league who can make those kinds of plays," stated Donovan. "That's going to be crucial for us."

Earlier this year, Beckham said he wanted to remain with the Italian club rather than return to the Galaxy.

He also revealed earlier this month he would consider a return to the Premier League because it would improve his chances of playing for England at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

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No matter what anybody says he has had an amazing career.

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Milan manager Leonardo did not rule out a return to the San Siro for Beckham.

"His charisma is very important for other players," he said through a translator. "We are really happy with his situation."

Beckham played in Galaxy's 3-1 win at the New York Red Bulls during his first game back in the US and with six games of the MLS season remaining his side are third in the Western Conference.