Beckham confronts LA boo-boys on return home

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – David Beckham was ushered  away by security guards after he confronted fans who provided  an ugly reception for his return to the Los Angeles Galaxy home  ground for a friendly against AC Milan on Sunday.

Beckham was playing at home for the first time since he  returned to the Galaxy after he controversially extended his  loan spell with Milan into the first half of the Major League  Soccer season.

Beckham was constantly booed on Sunday by many in the  27,000 sell out crowd, with some holding derisive banners. One  said “go home fraud”, while another read “Hey Becks, here  before you, here after you, here despite you”.

Beckham was visibly annoyed at the frequent booing and had  to be escorted away by security as the players left the field  at halftime when he walked over to an area of seats to confront  jeering fans. Security was tightened in the second half.

“I just wanted to shake one of their hands and tell them to  calm down,” Beckham told reporters. “Some of the things they’re  saying are very disrespectful.

However they feel about me being  here, certain things you don’t deserve to have said to you.”

CREATES GOALS
Beckham, who had also seemingly fallen out with his team  mates with Galaxy captain Landon Donovan reportedly questioning  his effort and leadership last season, managed to calm  hostility when he helped set up both of the Galaxy’s goals in  the 2-2 draw.

After Thiago Silva had put Milan in front, Beckham provided  a field-length cross to Donovan, who set up Alan Gordon for the  equaliser in the 29th minute.

Filippo Inzaghi put the Italian giants ahead again in the  61st minute only for Bryan Jordan to connect on a Beckham  corner in the 65th minute and equalise at 2-2.

After the second goal, Beckham turned in the direction of  the stadium that had been the most vitriolic and simply  shrugged his shoulders.

“There’s not another player on this team or in this league  who can make those kinds of plays,” Donovan said of the former  England captain who was substituted after 75 minutes.

“That’s going to be crucial for us.”

Beckham said last week he hoped to spend a similar  six-month loan spell in Europe next year in order to satisfy  England coach Fabio Capello he is ready for the World Cup in  South Africa.

AC Milan coach Leonardo, who took over from Carlo  Ancelotti, suggested he was open to such a move.

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