Angry Beckham confronts trash-talking LA Galaxy fans

LA Galaxy star David Beckham was involved in an ugly confrontation with fans during his first home game back against AC Milan.

The midfielder 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.

The former England captain was held back by security staff, who also needed to restrain an angry fan who left his seat and rushed towards the footballer. The 34-year-old afterwards tried to explain what had happened by saying: "One of the guys was saying things that really wasn't very nice. It was stepping over the line. I said 'You need to calm down and come shake my hand' and he jumped over." Asked whether his intention was to do "a Cantona" and attack the fan, Beckham smiled and said: "No, of course not."

The man was arrested by California State Dominguez Hills police for trespassing because he left the seating area, a Home Depot Center spokeswoman said. "I know there was some turmoil in the corner but I didn't see it so I can't comment," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said. "Obviously, there were some dissenters in the early going but I think he won over a lot of people by the end."

Beckham received a less than friendly welcome at his first home game after returning from a five-month loan spell at Milan - the team the Galaxy faced in a friendly that finished 2–2. A 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?"

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.