First it was a teammate who went public against David Beckham and now it is the turn of the fans who believe that the Los Angeles Galaxy were better off without the former England captain.
David Beckham turned out for the Los Angeles Galaxy for the first time since his return from AC Milan, ironically, against AC Milan. The Italian side was in Los Angeles for their pre-season tour of the USA and David Beckham was on the field again, though in the white of the Galaxy.
However, Beckham was greeted by some unfriendly banners that read “Go Home Fraud” and “Here Before, Here After, Here Despite 23”, referring to David’s jersey number. The 34-year old Englishman was stopped by security as he jumped over the barrier and tried to get into the stands to confront the irate fans. Security also stopped a fan who had come down from the stands to meet Beckham as the footballer seemed to motion the fans to “come on”, with hand gestures.
The fans’ reaction is in anger against Beckham’s decision to go to AC Milan and opting to stay there. The fans weren’t happy that Beckham chose the glamour of Milan. The protest was mainly carried out by the die-hard supporters of the LA Galaxy, who sit in a section of the stands known as the LA riot squad section.
Beckham told a news channel, “I tried to shake one of the guy’s hand but he didn’t want any of it. That’s the way it is.”
Beckham was escorted by security to the changing rooms and did emerge to take the field again for the team. Meanwhile security staff had gone on to keep an eye over the troublesome group of fans who were, quite vociferously, conveying their disgust at Beckham coming back to LA.
Despite this, Beckham turned out a true professional performance, setting up both the Galaxy goals in a 2-2 draw against his loan club. While Alan Gordon and Bryan Jordan scored against the Italians, Thiago Silva and Filippo Inzaghi scored for the Rossoneri. Following the second LA goal, Beckham turned to the irate fans and shrugged his shoulders before being substituted in the 75th minute.
“Its to be expected. Sometimes it goes beyond it. The majority of the fans have been great,” said Beckham when asked about the boos.