David Beckham received a hostile reception from the LA Galaxy fans on Saturday as he played in his first match since his loan spell with AC Milan.
The England international, 34, rejoined the Galaxy mid-season for the friendly match with a capacity 27,000 crowd, ironically against AC Milan, but was jeered every time he touched the ball by a section of his own supporters.
Many fans had brought banners to the stadium with slogans such as “Go home, fraud” and “Repent” and Beckham needed a security escort at half time as he went to confront his tormentors.
“The majority of fans have been great. It was only one or two that, you know, it was to be expected”, Beckham explained.
“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.
“I’m not disappointed because it doesn’t affect me,” he said. “A lot of people predicted the vicious kind of reaction that would be here, and they were right.”
Manager Bruce Arena condemned the fans’ reaction.
“We regret the incident that happened at the end of the first half. While it is important that our fans remain free to voice their opinions, they must do so in an appropriate manner.
”We appreciate our players’ and fans’ passion for the team and the game, but we all must aim to hold ourselves to higher standards.”
Beckham had been warned by team mate Landon Donovan that certain fans might not take too kindly to his reluctance to return to the MLS and had earlier in the week accused him of lacking professionalism.
He reportedly tried to buy his way out of his Galaxy contract to further extend his spell with AC Milan, who paid a loan fee of £5 million.
His work for the team ultimately paid dividends as he was involved in both goals, making a cross field pass for Landon Donovan who then set up Alan Gordon for the first goal from which Bryan Jordan headed in the second.
Beckham ironically shrugged his shoulders at the fans that had criticised him following the second goal and applauded those that had supported him when he was substituted towards the end of the game. Donovan also welcomed his value to the team.
“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.”
Beckham’s future beyond the end of the current MLS season, which finishes in October, is very much in the air and he has made it clear what is likely to be his final tournament in South Africa 2010 is a priority.
“I will do everything possible. I’ll always regret it if I didn’t do everything to give myself a chance to be involved in that.”
Fabio Capello has suggested Beckham would improve his chances of making England’s world cup squad with a move back to a European league. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will make a move for him while the Sun speculates on potential offers from Tottenham and Manchester City, despite Mark Hughes dismissing alleged interest.
Neither did Leonardo do much to quash rumours linking Beckham with a return to the San Siro and the new AC Milan boss had nothing but praise for the former loanee.
“His charisma is very important for other players. We are really happy with his situation.”
Posted by tomlfoley 
